Member Article

Entrepreneur Richard Greenwood Selected as Rotary Club’s District Governor Elect for Yorkshire and Lincolnshire

Serial entrepreneur Richard Greenwood, who operates two Ovenu oven cleaning businesses in Bradford and Halifax, has been appointed Rotary Club District Governor Elect for Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire.

The 72-year-old, from Bradford, will spend the next 12 months setting goals, conducting district meetings and planning the district conference.

On his appointment as District Governor in July 2024, Richard will assume leadership of around 90 Rotary Clubs and will look to inspire a total of 2,200 members while engaging with the public to highlight Rotary’s valuable work in their communities.

Since 2009, he has owned and operated Ovenu Bradford and Ovenu Halifax, which have delivered more than 25,000 oven cleans in that time. Previously, he formed a steel company in 1985 which, at the time of its sale in 2005 had a £4m price tag. He later founded Axel’s Trading Company, a global trading business specialising in the sale of wire, chemicals, electronic components and clothing.

Despite his business interests, Richard has remained a committed and enthusiastic member of Bradford West Rotary Club since 2012.

Renowned as one of the world’s largest humanitarian service organisations, with a presence in more than 200 countries and a membership of 1.4m, Rotary has changed millions of lives across the globe by working to improve water and sanitation, women’s empowerment and education, and has made a substantial contribution towards the eradication of polio.

Richard said: “It is an immense honour to assume the role of District Governor Elect for Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire and I look forward to the next 12 months as I prepare to take on the full role.

“I’m eager to use my many years of experience in business to contribute to Rotary’s legacy by working alongside our dedicated members to create positive change and encourage more young people to get involved.”

Rik Hellewell, founder and managing director of the Ovenu franchise, said: “Richard’s appointment as District Governor Elect is a reflection of his strong sense of community service and his entrepreneurial acumen and business experience will undoubtedly be valuable assets in the role.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by News Gathering .