Stephen Douthart is Chief Executive and Accounting Officer of Middletown Centre for Autism, an all-island centre of excellence in autism practice and specialist education, jointly funded by the Department of Education in Northern Ireland and the Department of Education and Youth in Ireland. He leads the organisation’s strategy, governance, financial stewardship and operations across both jurisdictions, at a time of major SEN reform and transformation in each system. Under his leadership, Middletown is helping to advance system-wide improvement in autism practice, specialist education and neuro-affirming support across the island, while responding to the distinct needs and priorities of both jurisdictions.

Stephen brings extensive executive leadership experience across the public, voluntary and corporate sectors. Prior to joining Middletown, he held senior leadership roles with LKQ Euro Car Parts, Superdrug and Halfords, with responsibility across his corporate career for large-scale commercial, operational and P&L leadership in Northern Ireland, Ireland and Great Britain. As Divisional Director at LKQ Euro Car Parts, he led the company’s Irish business end-to-end across the island of Ireland, with responsibility for strategy, operations, commercial performance and organisational design. He also chaired the Irish Operating Board and supported the wider Group Board. Stephen holds the Institute of Directors’ Certificate in Company Direction and is a member of the Institute of Directors.