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Owen Williams

Chief Executive of Calderdale MBC, Owen Williams, studied ONC Business Studies and Diploma in Management Studies at Bradford College in the 1990s.

Owen WilliamsOwen was appointed Chief Executive of Calderdale in January 2008, at the age of only 39, having joined Calderdale Council as Deputy Chief Executive in February 2006. His area of responsibility included performance management, partnership working, local area agreements and equalities.

Owen was born in Bradford and educated in the city. Previously he was Chief Executive of Rossendale Council, taking up that position in May 2003 following the Audit Commission’s critical report of the Council in the latter part of 2002. As well as working in financial services and telecommunications, Owen’s previous experience includes being Director of Marketing and Communications for Bradford Council, where he worked to improve the city’s image and profile in the wake of the riots of 2001 through motivation, vision and leadership; and being Strategic Planning Director of a Leeds marketing agency.

“My first experience of Bradford College was following the realisation that my 3 O Levels in Maths, English and Technical Drawing were only going to take me so far. I commenced with a BTEC Ordinary National Certificate in Business Studies and progressed through to a Diploma in Management Studies. These qualifications were the foundation for my subsequent MBA and I’m now a year into doing a PhD.

That said, it is important to note that Bradford College was not just about academic attainment. As well as having good lecturers, I met some great friends (Neil, Gary and Nigel) and we formed a strong learning bond which meant that when any of us struggled with a topic there was always somebody in the group who could help out. This way of working has stuck with me throughout my working life and has helped me with my career development to date.

I wish the College every success in the future.”

Photograph supplied by Calderdale Council