Interview with Mark Johnson, Chairman, IoD Oxfordshire
Mark Johnson is chair of the IOD’s Oxfordshire branch. The experienced engineer and manufacturer becomes the voice of business for the county, working on behalf of members from a diverse range of organisations. Mark joined the board at Carterton-based Advanced Fibreoptic Engineering (AFE) in 2013, taking responsibility for technology leadership and business development. In 2019 […]
Mark Johnson is chair of the IOD’s Oxfordshire branch.
The experienced engineer and manufacturer becomes the voice of business for the county, working on behalf of members from a diverse range of organisations.
Mark joined the board at Carterton-based Advanced Fibreoptic Engineering (AFE) in 2013, taking responsibility for technology leadership and business development. In 2019 he was appointed commercial director
Mark has spent his career developing and commercialising new products and technologies across the automotive, aerospace, fibre-optics and optoelectronics sectors. He is an IoD Chartered Director and Fellow, a Chartered Engineer and member of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers.
Mark said: “Oxfordshire is a varied landscape of different industries and there is a great opportunity to connect more businesses in the region to benefit from each other’s experiences, challenges and successes.
“Being, or aspiring to be a director is a continuous learning experience. The IoD offers members not only the resources to broaden your learning, but the connections to successful individuals who you can learn from.
“The IoD is making some very positive changes. I am very pleased to be part of the team delivering these changes and engaging with our members and future members across Oxfordshire.”
The IoD is the UK’s number one organisation for directors, providing connections, influence and world-class professional development. As chair, Mark will work alongside a branch team to ensure that the views of Oxfordshire directors are represented within the IoD’s influential, national Policy Voice.
Faisal Khan, regional chair of IoD South, said: “Mark is the ideal person to lead our Oxfordshire branch. The IoD believes that better directors build a better world – Mark’s wide experience across a range of industries will help us to support members, build connections and help all types of directors to maximise the opportunities that lie ahead as the UK begins its economic recovery.”
More in Business Strategy

‘Meanwhile in Oxfordshire..’ Case Study: Ducky Zebra, the sustainable kidswear brand...
‘Often girls’ clothes are pink, cute and impractical. They promote kindness, but not always confidence. And boys’ clothes are often blue, aggressive and adventure seeking. They promote confidence, but not always kindness. I wanted to bring these two characteristics together and allow all children, no matter what their gender, to celebrate both kindness and confidence.’ – Sally Dear, Founder of Ducky Zebra

Innovative drone delivery trials take place at Milton Park
A pilot demonstration for a set of innovative drone and electric van freight trials was successfully completed at Milton Park.

Businesses encouraged to have their say: Central Oxfordshire Travel Plan
Oxfordshire County Council has launched its first draft area travel plan for public feedback following the adoption of its county-wide transport and connectivity plan, last month – and the county’s businesses are being encouraged to have their say.
From this author

Town v Gown 2025
The Town v Gown football fixture will return this March and for the first time in the event’s 130-year history will incorporate a women’s match.

Teams at the Raise’24 Golf Cup at Frilford will be competing...
The Raise’24 Golf Cup will take place on Frilford Heath’s Red Course on Monday 28th April with up to £10,000 being raised for the ten Raise’24 charities. The inaugural event will also see teams compete for the Colin Rosser Memorial Cup.

Welcome to B4, Grainger
Graingerplc is the UK’s largest listed residential landlord and leader in the fast-growing build-to-rent sector, providing c.11,100 rental homes to over 25,000 customers and are delighted to soon be launching its very first development in Oxford, The Kimmeridge.