New innovation district poaches Oxford Science Park operations manager

Oxford North Ventures has hired Elodie Siney as operations manager for the new £700m innovation district. Siney has more than 25 years’ experience in research, biotechnology, business development, events and property management. She has joined from the Oxford Science Park, where she was laboratory and facilities services manager for more than three years. Prior to that, she was marketing and events manager at the University of Oxford’s BioEscalator and chief operating officer at biotech start-up VisusNano. Her appointment comes as part of Oxford North’s continued strategy to build the on-site management and facilities team ahead of its opening in mid-2025. Late last year, Oxford North hired Simon Ruck from Harwell Campus as managing director on the scheme and Kevin Reid from Riverlabs as its energy and engineering manager.  Ruck said: “With 2025 approaching – a pivotal year as we prepare to open our doors to the public and the innovation community – we are excited to further expand our team.” Siney said: “Together we will create a holistic ecosystem engineered to support global science and tech companies and entrepreneurs alongside the wider community.” Oxford North Ventures is a joint venture between Thomas White Oxford, the development company of St John’s College, the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan and Stanhope. The project is to deliver 1m sq ft of new labs and workspace, 480 new homes surrounded by public parks and amenities, and is a 15-minute cycle ride from the city centre. Phase 1a is under construction and will total 160,000 sq ft across three buildings. The Red Hall will house a ground floor café, co-working and break-out spaces, community and presentation space, and offices for science and technology companies. 1 & 2 Fallaize Street will be the first two laboratory and office buildings.  See business analytics data for Oxfordshire >> Photo © Oxford North Ventures