In the second of our series of personal profiles on members of our Corporate Board, we hear from Group Finance Director, Jackie Rippeth, about long-term relationships, quirky buildings and her team's greatest achievement.
1. When did you join Cambridge Assessment?
4 January 1999 which seems like a long time ago, but there’s always something new happening so it’s never been dull.
2. What do you enjoy most about your job?
I love the fact that I work with such a wide range of people and am involved in so many different activities. I work with people right across the Group and, having been here for 16 years, I find I can wander almost anywhere within the business and people say ‘hello’. I also enjoy the relationships within my own team of whom I am very proud.
3. What is your favourite restaurant?
Restaurant 22 on Mitcham’s Corner. It’s a beautiful converted Victorian House which is my ‘go to’ place for birthdays and special occasions.
4. What objects do you always carry with you?
My reading glasses, an umbrella and a pretty silver pill box given to me by my husband.
5. What is your favourite building and why?
I love the buildings of the Landmark Trust, especially the follies. There’s something very appealing about the quirkiness and originality of them.
6. How do you ensure you have a good work/life balance?
I am very fortunate in living and working in Cambridge so am able to walk to work. I worked in London in a previous job and therefore really appreciate the benefit of no longer having to commute
7. What achievement at Cambridge Assessment are most proud of?
I’m very proud of the many things my team has achieved but if I had to pick a personal achievement, it would be the go-live of SAP in Finance. This was an enormous challenge, involving lots of unforeseen issues, and took a huge effort from the whole team. We learned a lot of valuable lessons from that experience which I hope have helped other areas of the business in subsequent SAP projects.
8. How do you like to keep fit?
I keep fit mainly from walking.
9. Where do you like to go on holiday and why?
I like to stay in Landmark Trust buildings as a complete get away from it all. Further afield, I love New York, especially Manhattan which is very compact so you can walk everywhere and there’s a fantastic choice of things to see and do.
10. If you could go back in time, what advice would you give to your younger self?
I would say, take advantage of opportunities when they arise. That philosophy has served me well and, as a result, my life has turned out in a way I could never have planned.
Jackie Rippeth
Group Finance Director
Read Knowing me, knowing you - Simon Lebus where we hear from our Group Chief Executive about hassle at airports, the best Szechuan Chinese food in Cambridge and why there’s never enough time to read.