Maria Antoniou

Maria Antoniou is Head of Economic Development at Northumberland County Council, leading the delivery of economic development in the county, driving new and innovative inclusive growth activities, and playing an integral role in the devolution agenda in the North East.

With a background in local and regional economic development and regional devolution, Maria is committed to the North East and delivering real and lasting impact.

Working collaboratively with local, regional, and national partners, she has built collaborative visions and lead evidenced based strategy development and operational delivery in a number of thematic areas including Culture, Creative Industries, Tourism, Green Growth & Climate Change, and the Rural economy.

Her work has included, leading the establishment of three Culture and Creative Zones in the region; the establishment of a regional partnership with Creative UK and implementation of regional cluster programmes; supporting the mobilisation of the North East Screen Industries Partnership; and the establishment of the Net Zero North East partnership.

“Growing up in a multi-language family, my parents nurtured a love of reading which I now share with my three children.

“I’ve long been a strong advocate for NWN and recognise the critical role of literature and writing in realising substantial opportunities in the region; reducing inequalities and mobilising the key conversations of our time.”