Oxford North nabs directors from Harwell and Riverlabs

Oxford North has appointed two senior members to its team as it prepares for the opening of phase 1a of the £700m innovation district in mid-2025. Simon Ruck (pictured, top left) has been appointed as managing director on the scheme and Kevin Reid as its energy and engineering manager. Ruck joins from Brookfield-owned ARC, where he was director for asset management at Harwell Campus in Oxfordshire. Prior to this, he was vice-president of asset management for office properties and development director at Brookfield.  Reid (above, right) joins from EMCOR UK, where he worked at the Riverlabs campus and GSK campus in Ware. Prior to this he worked for CBRE, Baltimore FM and Jaguar Building Services. The scheme is being delivered by a joint venture between Thomas White Oxford, the development company of St John’s College; Stanhope; and Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan. The first chapter of the wider masterplan features the Red Hall, Buildings 1 and 2, and a cycle pavilion.  The wider masterplan comprises plot A, B and C, which will see the delivery of laboratory buildings.  David Camp, chief executive officer at Stanhope, said: “Simon’s experience in delivering estate, operations and asset management, particularly in the life sciences and biotech space, will mean our future companies will benefit from his extensive expertise. “Kevin’s track record has meant he is able to start working closely with our consultant team and construction partners to ensure we are creating a low-carbon innovation district, following a net zero carbon pathway, to reduce the carbon footprint for our future occupiers. “We will continue to expand the on-site team as we head towards opening this place for Oxford.” Images © Oxford North Ventures