source: www.cam.ac.uk
Rita Akushie has been appointed as the University’s new Chief Financial Officer. She will take up the role in December 2025.
I look forward to working collaboratively across the University to build a finance function that is modern, transparent, and aligned with Cambridge’s world-leading mission.Rita Akushie, Chief Financial Officer
Rita joins the University from the University of London, where she has been Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Finance and Operations) since 2020 and has led a major transformation programme across its finance, digital, estates and HR services.
She has more than 30 years of experience in financial leadership across higher education, infrastructure investment, housing, and the charity sector. She is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, and of the Association of Corporate Treasurers.
In parallel with her career in university leadership, Rita serves as Chair of the Audit Committee and Non-Executive Director at HICL Infrastructure plc, a FTSE 250-listed £3bn investment fund with over 100 infrastructure assets across the UK, Europe, the US, Australia, and New Zealand, supporting education, health, utilities, communication and transport.
Rita will report to the Vice-Chancellor and provide strategic oversight of the University’s financial activities.
She will also lead and manage the University’s Finance Division, and be the sponsor for the Finance Transformation Programme, which is modernising ways of working through new processes, technology and governance.
Anthony Odgers, the University’s current Chief Financial Officer, will step down from his role on 31 December 2025.
Professor Deborah Prentice, Vice-Chancellor, said: “I am delighted to welcome Rita as our new Chief Financial Officer. Rita impressed the interview panel with her vast experience, particularly in finance transformation, her passion for higher education and her commitment to inclusive leadership.”
Rita said: “Joining the University of Cambridge is a tremendous honour. I am inspired by the opportunity to lead a transformative finance agenda that supports the University’s long-term strategic ambitions. I look forward to working collaboratively across the University to build a finance function that is modern, transparent, and aligned with Cambridge’s world-leading mission.”
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