Meet our Associate Directors of Opendoorz: A Strong Team for a Bright Future

At Opendoorz, we believe in the power of collaboration, connections, and leadership. As we continue to grow and expand our services, we are thrilled to introduce 2 new Associate Directors to our established team who are here to bring their unique talents, experience, and vision to our organisation. Each individual brings something special to the table, helping us strengthen our internal operations and improve the experiences we offer our members.

We’d like to take a moment to spotlight all outstanding AD’s and the value they add for our members.

1. Phil Saville – Associate Director for Trinity and Wallingford

Since joining the Opendoorz family a decade ago, Phil has grown from dedicated member to Associate Director of two groups, Trinity and Wallingford. He creates a supportive and collaborative environment where business professionals can connect, share ideas, and grow their enterprises. Phil is known for his ability to foster meaningful connections and facilitate opportunities for members to develop valuable business contacts.

Outside of Opendoorz, Phil enjoys cooking, running, and relaxing with a glass of wine while listening to 80’s pop music – and occasionally dancing to it!!

2. Jon Ellard – Associate Director for North Oxford

Jon Ellard is an experienced connector and seasoned networker with a passion for helping others achieve tangible results. Known for his role in pro-actively expanding the North Oxford Group, Jon combines camaraderie with strategy, ensuring each member gains real ROI. He thrives on strategic conversations, from how to price to the best ways to package and promote your product or service.

Happily married with two sons, Jon also coaches the U10’s Hook Norton Hammerheads mixed football team. While he loves a game of poker, sadly he rarely finds the time to play these days but is always up to invitations!

3. Caroline O’Connor – Associate Director for Frilford, Henley, Oxford and Marlow

Having been described as a trustworthy professional who is sociable, enthusiastic, resourceful and driven, Caroline applies each of these attributes to all her business relationships. Because at the end of the day we do business with those we like and trust. With three decades of experience in building relationships, sales and marketing Caroline thrives on unlocking value and maximising performance through strategic planning, relationships and partnerships that improve sales and marketing capabilities for all.

When she’s not in a networking event, you’ll find her at home with the kids cooking or on a dance floor enjoying a good boogie.

4. Jim Gettings Associate Director for Cotswolds 

Jim brings a wealth of expertise to the AD role within Opendoorz, combining extensive experience in business development, networking, and relationship management. With a background in sales and a strategic approach to building connections, he excels in understanding client needs, facilitating productive introductions, and nurturing business relationships that align with Opendoorz’s values.

When he is not looking after his clients you will find him touring all parts of Europe on his motorbikes or spending time with his grandchildren.

5. Gemma Cubitt – Associate Director for Cheltenham

Gemma is a curious, empathetic and energetic professional. She gets her kicks from bringing the right people together focusing on how best to support her network in their personal and professional goals. Her FTSE100 corporate background means she knows how to make things happen in a fast-moving environment, but she has also mastered the art of translating what works in big business and applying it sensibly to SMEs. She is a motivating force to all those around her which comes in handy when she is working with her coaching clients.

Outside of the day job Gemma is a keen traveller, walker and dog lover. She’s also partial to a good meal out accompanied with a glass of bubbles with family and friends.

6. Neil Smith – Associate Director for North Cotswolds

As the AD for our North Cotswolds group, Neil leverages his extensive experience in managing and expanding a successful small business, alongside his keen interest in cybersecurity. He is well-equipped to support and guide a diverse group of professionals from various business sectors, embracing this challenge with confidence and expertise.

Outside of work, Neil is happily married and a father of two. On the odd occasion he can get a bit of “me time“ he enjoys playing pool and walking.

7. Oya Emir-Wilson – Associate Director for Thame

Oya, is your Business Matchmaker,  having joined Opendoorz 2 years ago, Oya is our latest member to step into the AD role for Thame.  Using her extensive experience and skills in end-to-end targeted and well-planned telemarketing & lead generation campaigns, Oya supports her group to clarify their messaging, define their audience and enables them to create bold and strong connections.

“Outside of work you’ll find Oya running the Chiltern Hills or sparring as a Black Belt in Freestyle Martial Arts. Oya’s love’s cooking authentic Turkish Cypriot dishes for her family & friends.

The Power of Teamwork

Together, our Associate Directors bring a balance of skills, perspectives, and experiences that complement each other perfectly. At Opendoorz, we understand to achieve growth it requires collaboration, trust, and respect. With their collective efforts, our AD’s will help us achieve our mission of creating positive, lasting impacts for our members and the communities we serve.

We are excited about the opportunities ahead and look forward to the continued success that their leadership will bring. The future is bright with this talented group of Associate Directors driving Opendoorz forward.

Welcome to the team, Neil and Oya and thank you for your continued support, Phil, Jon, Caroline, Jim and Gemma.