New CEO for Cambridge Assessment

09 March 2018

The University of Cambridge today announced the appointment of Saul Nassé as the new Group Chief Executive of Cambridge Assessment.

He succeeds Simon Lebus, who is stepping down after 15 years during which time the £413 million Group has grown into one of the world’s leading assessment and education services organisations.

Saul has been the Chief Executive of the Cambridge Assessment English business for the last four years, accelerating its move to digital and delivering growth across the world. He has been responsible for IELTS, the English exam that Cambridge produces in partnership with the British Council and IDP, and has launched a number of joint products in a strategic partnership with Cambridge University Press (the Press).

Before joining Cambridge Assessment, Saul was Controller of BBC Learning, responsible for the corporation’s education programmes and websites, including Bitesize, BBC Food and the multiplatform event, Stargazing Live. Saul studied Natural Sciences at Robinson College, Cambridge and spent three years as a research scientist at Cranfield University.

Saul said, “This is an exciting time for Cambridge Assessment, and I am delighted to have been asked to take on this role. Together with our colleagues at the Press, we have an enormous impact on students’ lives in the UK and around the world.”

“I believe we have the chance to increase that impact, combining our assessment skills with emerging technologies like machine learning. We have a committed and knowledgeable team at Cambridge Assessment, and with access to expertise across the University and the Press we can create innovative new experiences for learners.”

Anthony Odgers, Chairman of the University board to which both Cambridge Assessment and Cambridge University Press answer, said: “Saul has a great track record at Cambridge Assessment English, working closely with the Press and other partners to deliver growth and new digital products. He has a global outlook and a real belief in education’s power to change lives, which make him the ideal person to realise Cambridge Assessment’s ambitions.”

Saul takes up his new position on 16th April.

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