Experience Oxfordshire has announced the appointment of Stuart Crook as its new Chair. He has been a member of the Experience Oxfordshire Board since 2016 and has been an active member of the organisation’s Finance and Resources Committee during his tenure. Stuart will take up his new role when Joanna Davidson CBE, the incumbent Chair, steps down this autumn after six years of service.
Originally from Oxford, Stuart Crook is a partner in the Oxfordshire and London based accountancy firm Wellers, and an alumnus of Oxford Brookes University. He has been part of the wider Oxfordshire business community for over 20 years with extensive experience of working with owners, directors and stakeholders in various types of businesses in the region including hospitality, technology, professional services, and international trades.
Commenting on the appointment, Experience Oxfordshire Chair, Joanna Davidson CBE said, “Over the past seven years, since he joined the Board of Directors and Trustees, Stuart has served as both an outstanding advocate for the county’s visitor economy and a constant supporter of Experience Oxfordshire. Stuart’s financial insight and experience in helping small and medium sized businesses has been invaluable to the organisation as we worked to support businesses across Oxfordshire during the pandemic and to mitigate against its ongoing impact. As Chair, Stuart will be a great asset to the Board as the organisation develops to meet new opportunities and future challenges.”
Stuart Crook takes up the role at an exciting time for Experience Oxfordshire. The official DMO for the county, in March 2023 was one of the first destinations in England to gain Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) status from national tourist board, VisitEngland. LVEPs have been established as part of the UK Government’s response to recommendations to reshape destination management across England, reducing fragmentation and bringing coherence to its destination management landscape. As an LVEP, Experience Oxfordshire is recognised as a high-performing organisation, supporting collaborative working both locally, through its network of partners and those with interest in the visitor economy, and nationally on shared priorities.
As incoming Chair, Stuart Crook said, “I am honoured to be invited to follow Joanna in this prestigious role, leading an experienced group of talented Board Members and Trustees. Experience Oxfordshire’s work is essential in ensuring Oxfordshire competes effectively, both nationally and internationally, in attracting vital business and leisure visitors to the county. Having been involved with the organisation for several years I continue to be impressed with what Experience Oxfordshire delivers for all the various stakeholders in the sector. I look forward to continuing to use my skills and experience in strategic development and finance to support Experience Oxfordshire in their efforts to grow the value of the county’s visitor economy and help our venues, experiences and local suppliers thrive.”
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