We’re delighted to introduce David Olney, the new Chair of Cambridgeshire ACRE. With a career spanning business, defence and infrastructure, and a deep personal connection to Cambridgeshire’s rural life, David brings a wealth of experience and a genuine passion for supporting local communities.

Chief Executive, Hayley, pictured right with David, recently interviewed him on behalf of our members and stakeholders so they might get to know David a little better. Read the full interview below.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I’m married to Gill and we live in a small village in Cambridgeshire. I’m now semi-retired, which gives me time to enjoy a few of my favourite things including good food and wine, cooking, travel, gardening and cycling. We also spend time in France whenever we can, enjoying the countryside and culture there.

 

Can you tell us more about your professional background?

I started with a degree in engineering and quickly moved into business management. After completing an MBA, I worked on large scale programmes across the Defence and IT sectors and led major change initiatives in both public and private sectors. One of my most significant roles was as Chief Operating Officer for the Defence Estate worldwide, responsible for over 3,000 people and a multi-billion pound budget. After that, I became Managing Director for four different businesses within Babcock International Group.

What inspired me to get involved with Cambridgeshire ACRE was my experience overseeing the Defence Training Estate, the UK’s third largest rural estate. I saw first hand how rural communities and businesses thrived when supported properly, and I’ve carried that passion forward ever since.

 

What’s your connection to Cambridgeshire?

Cambridgeshire has been home for over 20 years across two different villages. I’m also involved in two educational trusts based in Cambridgeshire and Suffolk where I give my time voluntarily to support better educational outcomes for children.

 

Why is supporting rural communities important to you?

Rural life relies on thriving communities and businesses. During my time managing the training estate, I saw how a collaborative and structured approach could help rural areas grow stronger. I believe Cambridgeshire ACRE plays a crucial role in bringing people and organisations together to create lasting, positive change. That’s something I’m proud to be a part of.

 

What do you think are the biggest challenges facing rural communities right now?

One of the biggest is inclusion, making sure rural communities aren’t left behind as society changes. With the rise of technology, shifting economies and social pressures, it can be hard for smaller communities to keep up.

We need to tackle issues like isolation, education, mental health and access to services. That means better transport links, more opportunities for young people and stronger support networks for everyone. These are shared challenges, but they’re felt particularly sharply in rural settings.

 

Where do you see Cambridgeshire ACRE’s role in all this?

The role remains the same, empowering rural communities, but delivering that effectively requires funding and focus. My goal is to help strengthen the structure and strategy behind what we do so we can amplify our impact and attract the resources we need.

 

What strengths do you bring to the role of Chair?

A broad background in business, strategy and change management, plus an enquiring and challenging mind. I also bring a personal connection to rural Cambridgeshire and a practical understanding of the issues communities here face.

 

What have you learned since joining Cambridgeshire ACRE?

Two things have stood out: the commitment and passion of the team, and the scale of loneliness affecting both young and old in rural areas. I hadn’t appreciated how isolated some young mothers can feel, going long stretches without seeing anyone. That’s something we need to change.

 

And finally, what would you like to say to our members, partners and stakeholders?

Cambridgeshire ACRE is here to help, support and challenge you to be your best. In return, I’d love to hear your ideas about what’s needed locally and how we can do better. Together we really can make a difference.