Dr Martin Reeves, 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.
Martin has led Oxfordshire County Council since March 2023, bringing more than 25 years of experience in senior leadership roles across local government.
Read more: The Oxfordshire people recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours List 2026
Prior to joining Oxfordshire, he served as Chief Executive of Coventry City Council for over 14 years, during which time the city underwent its most significant transformation since the post-war period.
Under his leadership, Coventry became the first Marmot City in the country, adopting innovative approaches to reducing health inequalities. He has continued this work alongside Professor Sir Michael Marmot and the health equity team at University College London, as Oxfordshire launched the first countywide Marmot Place in 2024.
He was also instrumental in establishing the West Midlands Combined Authority, serving as its first Chief Executive from March 2016 to September 2017.
Throughout his career, Martin has been at the forefront of public service reform, driving innovation, partnership working and transformation across complex organisations. His leadership has helped shape modern local government, including his role as former President of the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives (SOLACE) and the first Honorary President of the Local Area Research and Intelligence Association (LARIA).
Martin said:
“I’m incredibly honoured to receive this award. Local government is ultimately about people and 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, Councillor 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.
“We’re extremely fortunate to have him as our Chief Executive, and I’m delighted to see his contribution recognised in this way.”
The King’s Birthday Honours recognise individuals who have made a significant impact in their field or community. Martin’s OBE reflects a career dedicated to improving public services, strengthening local government, and delivering lasting benefits for communities.
