Equinox, the Oxfordshire-wide partnership connecting business, universities, investors, government and communities, has appointed Dr Olga Kozlova to the newly created role of Chief Executive Officer, marking an important step in delivering its ambitious Strategy 2035.

Equinox, supported by the University of Oxford, a B4 Platinum Member, is working to strengthen Oxfordshire’s position as one of the world’s leading innovation economies while ensuring that the benefits of growth are felt across the county.

Launched at the House of Commons on 19 October 2026, Equinox Strategy 2035 sets out an ambitious vision for a more connected, investable and inclusive innovation economy, building on Oxfordshire’s exceptional strengths in research, enterprise and entrepreneurship.

Ambitious Targets for Oxfordshire

Over the next decade, the strategy aims to deliver:

• 20 unicorn companies, each valued at more than $1 billion.
• Over £1 billion annually in venture and growth investment.
• 30,000 net new innovation-linked jobs across Oxfordshire.
• Investment from 10 Tier 1 US venture capital funds and 10 UK pension funds.
• A permanent Oxfordshire presence for six global corporates.
• Recognition among the world’s top three innovation-intensive clusters per capita.

These targets reflect the scale of opportunity for Oxfordshire to build on its global reputation for research, discovery and innovation, while creating meaningful economic and social benefits for local communities.

Leadership to Turn Ambition into Action

As CEO, Olga will work with partners across the public and private sectors to translate Strategy 2035 into tangible outcomes, strengthen Oxfordshire’s international investment proposition and ensure that innovation-led growth creates opportunities throughout the county.

She will undertake the role alongside her existing position as Director of Innovation and Engagement at the University of Oxford.

Professor Irene Tracey, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford and Chair of the Equinox Council, welcomed the appointment:

“Oxford and Oxfordshire have an extraordinary concentration of talent, research excellence and entrepreneurial ambition. But our success must be measured not only by what we discover and create, but by the difference it makes to people’s lives and the opportunities it opens up across our communities.

“Equinox Strategy 2035 sets out an ambitious vision for achieving this together. Olga’s appointment as CEO is an important step in turning that shared ambition into action. Her leadership will be invaluable in bringing partners together, strengthening our innovation ecosystem and ensuring that Oxfordshire’s success delivers lasting benefits locally, nationally and globally.”

Dr Olga Kozlova added:

“Oxford has an extraordinary global reputation for research, discovery and innovation. Our opportunity now is to connect those strengths more effectively, unlock their full potential and ensure that the benefits reach further across Oxfordshire.

“Strategy 2035 gives us a shared direction and a clear ambition for the future. I’m delighted to take on this role at such an important moment for Equinox, working with our partners to turn that ambition into action and build an innovation economy that is globally competitive, locally connected and inclusive by design.”

B4 Welcomes a Well-Deserved Appointment

Richard Rosser, CEO of B4, congratulated Olga on her appointment and welcomed the emphasis on collaboration and inclusive economic growth.

Richard said:

“Many congratulations to Olga on this thoroughly well-deserved appointment. Olga has been a tremendous advocate for Oxfordshire’s innovation ecosystem, and her ability to bring people and organisations together makes her ideally placed to lead Equinox into this exciting next chapter.

“At B4, we believe passionately in the power of collaboration and building bridges between businesses, universities and the wider community. Oxfordshire has extraordinary strengths, but real progress comes when we connect those strengths, share opportunities and work together.

“We are proud to have the University of Oxford as a B4 Platinum Member, and we look forward to supporting Olga and the wider Equinox partnership as they work towards the ambitious goals of Strategy 2035.

“Above all, I hope this next chapter will help ensure that Oxfordshire’s success is shared as widely as possible, creating opportunities for businesses and communities of all sizes across our county.”

Building a Connected Innovation Economy

The University of Oxford provides the Equinox secretariat, while the Equinox Council, Operational Board and wider public and private sector partnership provide strategic oversight and support delivery.

More than 100 organisations have signed the Equinox Charter, with over 200 individuals participating in workshops and events to help shape the partnership’s direction.

With its new CEO in place, Equinox enters an important phase in turning its long-term ambitions into practical outcomes, strengthening connections between research, investment, business and communities.

Read the Equinox Strategy 2035: https://www.oxfordequinox.com/strategy