Ordnance Survey Announce Steve Blair as Next Chief Executive

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has appointed Steve Blair as the new Chief Executive of Ordnance Survey (OS).

Steve will take up leadership of the £150 million turnover organization on 17 June, bringing extensive customer and commercial experience in executive and board level roles across the technology sector. Steve joins OS with a track record of delivering products and services in established and high growth emerging markets. He also has a wealth of experience in strategic planning and portfolio development.

Kieran Murphy, Chairman at Ordnance Survey, said "The board of OS is delighted that Ministers have appointed Steve Blair as CEO of Ordnance Survey. He brings strong leadership, deep knowledge of technology and an understanding of how to operate in markets that are changing rapidly. Steve joins OS at a time when we are developing a number of long-term customer and commercial relationships which continue to reinforce OS as a world-class organization."

Steve will lead the national mapping agency at an exciting time for both OS and the wider international geospatial industry. Within Great Britain, geospatial data is being used to underpin innovative products and services, drive efficiencies across the public sector and support thousands of small businesses and start-ups. Globally, accurate and authoritative location data is being used to support economic growth, enable infrastructure, and help tackle challenges such as urbanization and natural disasters. Steve will be responsible for delivering Ordnance Survey's strategy both at a national and international level.

Steve Blair said “I am extremely proud and thrilled to be taking up the role as CEO. Ordnance Survey is an iconic British organization which plays an essential role in supporting both the private and public sectors with accurate location data. I am looking forward to combining my experience in technology and emerging markets with Ordnance Survey's world-leading geospatial data and expertise."

OS works with a diverse range of customers and partners in government, business and consumer sectors across Great Britain and internationally. OS has around 1,000 employees with a head office in Southampton, where Steve will be based.