Richard Venables

Richard Venables DL has been a Deputy Lieutenant for Oxfordshire since 2016. He has also served as High Sheriff of Oxfordshire (2018–19). Part of the Lieutenancy Team focused on Oxford, he holds the Lieutenancy’s Sport and Physical Activity Brief for the County.

Richard qualified as a Chartered Surveyor in 1993. Today, he is a Senior Director in the Oxford office of CBRE, global property advisor, and has extensive experience advising on commercial property in the science and technology markets in Oxfordshire, having worked in the region for over 30 years.   

Outside of work, Richard has a passion for youth, sport, and cultural activities. He was a Trustee of Oxfordshire Youth (2019-22), where he is now Ambassador, and Active Oxfordshire (2017-22), where he is now Patron.  In addition, he is an active supporter of Access Sport Oxfordshire, an inclusive sports programme, and co-founder of Horspath parkrun, where he volunteers as an Event Director. Richard has been a playing member of Oxford Hawks Hockey Club since 1993 and has been a junior coach and County Hockey coach. He is President of the Oxfordshire Playing Fields Association.

Richard also dedicates considerable time and energy to economic and cultural development in Oxfordshire. He is Vice President of Oxford Civic Society, and Vice Chair of the Oxford Economic Growth Steering Group. He sits on the board of the Oxford Strategic Partnership., which helps to provide direction for the city’s future. Richard was Board Member of the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (2014-18) and a Board Member of Experience Oxfordshire (2009-20).  He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Oxford Brookes University in 2022 for services to economic development and community services.

Richard lives in Islip with his wife Kate.