Oxford Trust charity appoints new chief executive officer

Matt Francis will formally succeed outgoing CEO Steve Burgess on September 25, with a short transition period beginning September 1.

John Boyle, chair of trustees at The Oxford Trust, said: “We are delighted to welcome Matt Francis as the next CEO of The Oxford Trust.

“We are confident that Matt brings the vision, sector experience and passion needed to build on the Trust’s 40-year legacy.

“Steve will continue to lead the organisation until 25th September, and we look forward to working with both Steve and Matt during this transition as we prepare to enter into a new exciting period further expanding its mission and impact.”

Mr Francis joins the trust from Oxford Innovation Space, where he was head of science and technology, leading business development across its portfolio.

He is no stranger to the organisation, having previously spent nearly a decade with The Oxford Trust in various senior roles.

During that time, he was instrumental in delivering the £13 million Wood Centre for Innovation and Science Oxford Centre, which opened in March 2019.

He also oversaw operations and supported the growth of early-stage life science and technology companies.

Mr Francis said: “The Oxford Trust has always sat at a distinctive intersection: education and engagement programmes that fire the imaginations of young scientists, alongside innovation centres that help those scientists become the entrepreneurs of tomorrow.

“Having spent recent years working across the UK’s science and technology innovation landscape, I return more convinced than ever that its role, independent, mission-driven, and with 40 years of trust built up in this community, has never mattered more.

“With the Aspen Building opening this summer and Oxford’s growing prominence on the national innovation stage, the timing feels significant.

“I look forward to working with the Trust’s brilliant team, trustees and partners to honour the vision of Sir Martin and Lady Audrey Wood and together play our part in what comes next.”

Mr Burgess departs after 13 years at the helm.

During his tenure, he led the purchase and development of the trust’s 18-acre site in Headington, now home to the Linden Building, the soon-to-open Aspen Building, and the Science Oxford Centre.

The board of trustees has planned an official celebration in September to mark Mr Burgess’ contributions, retirement, and the formal handover to Mr Francis.

The trust also operates the Oxford Centre for Innovation at Blue Boar Court in Oxford’s city centre.