Emily Gibson is the CFO of Cavendish Education, where she leads the group’s financial strategy, planning, and performance management across all schools and central operations. A Chartered Accountant with over 20 years’ experience, Emily brings financial expertise and commercial acumen to the independent education sector.
Her career spans both practice and senior leadership roles in multi-site, highly regulated businesses across a variety of ownership structures – including international corporates (both US and European), private equity-backed enterprises, and family-run organisations. This diverse background gives Emily a unique ability to balance rigorous financial control with flexibility and long-term strategic thinking.
Before joining Cavendish Education, Emily spent more than a decade in the retail, pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors, holding Leadership and Finance Director roles in the UK and Germany. Her remit in these positions extended well beyond finance, encompassing business integration, organisational transformation, systems implementation, and oversight of HR and IT functions. She has led cross-functional teams through periods of rapid change and growth, consistently aligning financial stewardship with operational excellence.
At Cavendish Education, Emily plays a pivotal role in supporting the organisation’s mission through effective financial planning, budgeting, reporting, and risk management. She works closely with senior leaders and school Heads to ensure sustainability, transparency, and value for money – enabling each school to deliver exceptional educational outcomes for its students.
