Cambridge Assessment has announced that Christine Özden is to take over as chief executive of its Cambridge International exam board.

The board provides International GCSEs - an alternative qualification at key stage 4.

Ms Özden joins from Oxford International AQA Examinations, where she is managing director. She has worked in international education for more than 20 years, with senior roles in companies including Pearson, Apollo English and Oxford University Press. 

In her most recent role, she led Oxford International AQA Examinations as it launched brand new international GCSE, AS and A-level qualifications for international curriculum schools across the Middle East and Asia.

She will be replacing Michael O’Sullivan, who is due to step down in December after five years at the helm of Cambridge International.

Saul Nassé, group chief executive of Cambridge Assessment, said: “Christine has an unwavering belief in education’s ability to change lives and support families. Couple that with her deep international experience - she’s lived in four countries and worked across four continents - and she’s a perfect fit for Cambridge International.

‘Exciting time in worldwide education’

“Michael O’Sullivan has grown a top team, and I look forward to Christine taking the work they do to the next level. 

“Together we have a fantastic opportunity to extend our global reach and transform the organisation for this mobile, machine-learning driven age.”

Ms Özden said: “I am delighted to be joining Cambridge International at such an exciting time in worldwide education.

“Its programmes and qualifications set the global standard for international education and it is an honour to be chosen to work with the Cambridge team, whose commitment to educators, students and their communities I share.

“I am looking forward to finding new prospects and perspectives as well as building upon existing successes.”

Ms Özden will join Cambridge International in January 2019.