Enterprise Oxfordshire welcomes new managing director

Paula Mullin will take up the post in September, following the organisation’s rebranding from OxLEP and the transfer of economic development functions to Oxfordshire County Council in April 2025.

She replaces Nick Glover, who served as interim managing director for nine months alongside his role as Oxfordshire County Council’s head of future economy.

Ms Mullin said: “It is a privilege to take on this role at an important moment for Enterprise Oxfordshire and for the county.

“Oxfordshire’s strengths are clear – world-class science, talent and enterprise.

“The opportunity now is to convert more of those strengths into businesses that grow here, investment that lands here and opportunities that reach communities across the county.

“That will require clear priorities, strong partnerships and a relentless focus on delivery.”

Bringing experience from both the public and private sectors, Ms Mullin most recently led international expansion for a global luxury brand in the Middle East.

She previously served as acting chief executive and director of policy and partnerships at Midlands Engine, where she worked with government, business and university leaders to advance economic priorities across the region.

Earlier in her career, she led corporate strategy and public service reform at Nottinghamshire County Council and began her professional life in law.

Ms Mullin’s appointment follows last month’s announcement of Dr Alex Reip as chair of the board.

Dr Reip, a long-time figure in the Oxfordshire innovation community, co-founded Oxford nanoSystems, a leader in energy technology.

He said: “I am delighted Paula is joining us.

“She’s led organisations through change in local government, run a pan-regional partnership and built businesses internationally, so she knows how both sides work – that experience is exactly what Enterprise Oxfordshire needs right now.

“This is an important time for the county.

“Decisions being made over the next couple of years will shape Oxfordshire’s economy for decades, and Enterprise Oxfordshire has a real role to play in getting them right.

“Paula is the right person to lead the team through it and I am looking forward to working with her.”

Councillor Laura Gordon, cabinet member for environment and economy at Oxfordshire County Council, welcomed the appointment.

Cllr Gordon said: “Paula’s appointment marks an important milestone for Enterprise Oxfordshire at a crucial time for both the organisation and the wider county economy.

“I am confident Paula has the vision and experience to help deliver that ambition.

“Drawing on Paula’s outstanding experience, and working collectively alongside Oxfordshire County Council, the Enterprise Oxfordshire Board and our stakeholders, I am confident she will play a leading role in strengthening Oxfordshire’s globally competitive economy while ensuring the benefits of growth are felt across every part of our county.”