Isobel Stephen
Biography
Isobel joined Joanna Crellin in a jobshare as Director General, Domestic and International Markets and Exports in February 2025.
Isobel has worked for government for over 25 years in economic and social policy delivery roles. Over this time she has worked in a number of different Departments, including the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP); the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC); the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and Number 10.
Before joining DBT, Isobel was Executive Director for Strategy, Performance and Engagement at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) to lead on the development of UKRI’s first ever strategy, working closely with Higher Educations Institutions and businesses across the UK.
Previous roles include:
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Executive Director, Strategy Performance and Engagement, UKRI, 2019 to 2024
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Housing Director, MHCLG, 2015 to 2019
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Director, Visitor and Migrant Health Recovery Programme, DHSC, 2013 to 2015
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Business Strategy Director, DWP, 2009 to 2013
Director General, Domestic and International Markets and Exports (Jobshare)
The Director General for Domestic and International Markets and Exports is responsible for the department’s work on supporting SME business growth including exports, DBT’s regional teams across the UK and DBT’s overseas network.