The University of Cambridge has announced the appointment of Rita Akushie as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective December 2025. Rita joins the University from the University of London, where she has served as Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Finance and Operations) since 2020, leading a significant transformation program across finance, digital, estates, and HR services.
With over 30 years of experience in financial leadership within higher education, infrastructure investment, housing, and the charity sector, Rita is well-equipped for her new role. She is a Fellow of both the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and the Association of Corporate Treasurers.
In addition to her university leadership experience, Rita serves as Chair of the Audit Committee and Non-Executive Director at HICL Infrastructure plc, a FTSE 250-listed investment fund managing £3 billion across over 100 infrastructure assets in the UK, Europe, the US, Australia, and New Zealand, focusing on sectors such as education, health, utilities, communication, and transport.
As CFO, Rita will report directly to the Vice-Chancellor and oversee the University’s financial activities. She will lead the Finance Division and sponsor the Finance Transformation Programme, which aims to modernize operations through new processes, technology, and governance.
Anthony Odgers, the current CFO, will step down from his position on 31 December 2025.
Professor Deborah Prentice, Vice-Chancellor of the University, expressed her enthusiasm for Rita’s appointment, stating, “I am delighted to welcome Rita as our new Chief Financial Officer. She impressed the interview panel with her vast experience, particularly in finance transformation, her passion for higher education, and her commitment to inclusive leadership.”
Rita Akushie remarked, “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.”