Title: Group Director of Finance and Corporate Services

Company: SkillsActive

Location: London, UK

With demonstrated expertise in financial accounting, budgeting and change management, Sally East has served the financial sector for more than two decades. She has worked in various roles throughout her career, including as group director of finance and corporate services for SkillsActive, and group financial controller for the British Heart Foundation. Since July 2015, Dr. East has served as chief financial officer with RAFT Medical Research.

Attributing her success to hard work and a “can-do” attitude, Dr. East has garnered a wealth of experience and knowledge, attained both through academia and hands-on experience. As someone who does not recognize failure as a word in her vocabulary, she strives to succeed in whatever she undertakes. In fact, the highlight of Dr. East’s career thus far has been earning a second Ph.D. while working in a full-time, demanding role.

Dr. East’s education is impressive, including multiple degrees in varying subjects. In 2013, she received a Ph.D. in business administration and management from Sheffield Hallam University. She also holds a Master of Arts in management, with distinction, and a Master of Science in accounting and finance, with distinction, both from London South Bank University. In 1993, Dr. East obtained her first Ph.D. in atmospheric physics from UCL. Also at UCL, she received a Bachelor of Science in pure physics in 1990.

As the recipient of the Best Program Director Award, Dr. East has certainly cemented a well-renowned reputation in the industry. She cites her mother as her biggest influence, saying, “She was a strong-minded woman who instilled great work ethics in me.” Her mother taught her that if she worked hard and put in the time, she would be rewarded tenfold. Due to his lifelong guidance, Dr. East has never given up in the pursuit of her goals and has learned that she can do just as well as any man can do.

Dr. East has served as an author and co-author in various publications, including: “Flexible Working Practices in Charities: Supporting or Hindering Women’s Emancipation in the Workplace,” among others. She also devotes her spare time to ACCA, CMI and CIPD.

Looking ahead, Dr. East intends to experience continued success in her current role, and eventually move into the position of chief executive officer.