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CAVA appoints Emily Ross as next CEO

 The CAVA Board is pleased to announce that Emily Ross has been appointed as the next CEO of CAVA, following an extensive recruitment process.


Emily has been an integral part of CAVA’s journey over the past 16 years, since she joined the team as an Administrative Officer in June 2008. She moved through the ranks in the organisation, progressing to Office Manager, then Quality Manager, and more recently as Deputy CEO. Her focus on continuous improvement and high-quality service for members has continually pushed the organisation to grow and develop over the years. Emily holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Education Studies from the University of Cambridge and a Masters in English from Anglia Ruskin University.


CAVA’s Chair, Gavin Tash, shared: “The CAVA Board and I are delighted to appoint Emily. Following a rigorous recruitment process, we felt Emily has the right blend of experience and knowledge of CAVA, as well as an innovative approach to take CAVA forward. Emily has been a huge asset to CAVA for many years in a number of roles and we are sure she will continue to excel in the CEO position.”


CAVA’s outgoing CEO, Flóra Raffai, said: “Over the past five years, I have consistently been impressed by Emily’s deep expertise in Access to HE, her passion for our members and students, and her strategic acumen. It is with great pleasure that I pass the leadership reins to her, confident that CAVA will thrive under her capable guidance.”


CAVA’s incoming CEO, Emily Ross, shared: “I am thrilled and deeply honoured to be appointed as the next CEO at CAVA. I want to express my sincere appreciation to Flóra for her dedicated service and leadership. Alongside our exceptional team and committed membership community, I am excited to lead CAVA into its next chapter of growth and impact. We remain committed to our mission to enable adults to achieve their aspirations through education and to adapt to the challenges of a rapidly changing education sector.”


Emily will officially start in post as CEO on 1 August 2024. Our outgoing CEO, Flóra Raffai, will remain at CAVA until 31 July 2024, with a planned handover over the coming two months.

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