County Council Chief Exec awarded at OBE
13/06/2026
Dr Martin Reeves was named in the Kings Birthday Honours List
The Chief Executive of Oxfordshire County Council has been awarded an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours in recognition of his outstanding service to local government.
Dr Martin Reeves has led the authority since March 2023 and has more than 25 years of experience in senior leadership roles across local government.
Prior to joining Oxfordshire, he served as Chief Executive of Coventry City Council. During his tenure of over 14 years Coventry became the first Marmot City in the country – a scheme which uses innovative approaches to reducing health inequalities.
Throughout his career Martin has been at the forefront of public service reform, driving innovation, partnership working and transformation programmes across complex organisations. His leadership has helped shape modern local government, including his role as a former President of the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives (SOLACE) and the first Honorary President of LARIA (Local Area Research and Intelligence Association).
Martin said: “I’m incredibly honoured to receive this award. Local government is ultimately about people and unique places and, over the past 25 years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside dedicated and passionate colleagues and councillors who make a real, positive difference in their communities every day.
“The best of local government is when we bring people together across a place, understand what really matters locally, and help create the conditions for positive change. This award genuinely reflects that collective effort.”
Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, Cllr Tim Bearder, said: “This honour is thoroughly deserved. Martin has made a real and lasting difference in Oxfordshire and across local government more widely. He combines insight, integrity and ambition with a genuine commitment to public service and improving the lives of the people we serve.
“His good humour, approachable nature and personable leadership style make him a real pleasure to work alongside. I particularly admire his willingness to explore new solutions and drive innovation to create a better and more effective council.”
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
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