Leadership Team

Simon Newitt joined AET on 1 May 2024 as Chief Financial Officer. As CFO he has overall responsibility for the financial strategy and sustainability of AET, and leads the Finance and Procurement teams.

Prior to joining AET Simon spent nine years in the Higher Education sector at the University of Northumbria as CFO, and at the University of Sunderland as Finance Director. Whilst at Northumbria he was responsible for all aspects of Finance and Procurement, as well as for the development of the University’s estate. He was CFO at the point that Northumbria was named as Times Higher Education University of the Year in 2022, and led the financial plans which underpinned the successful transformation of the University.

Before moving into the Higher Education sector Simon spent 13 years at PwC working with Government & Public Sector clients across Central and Local Government, the NHS, and Further and Higher Education. He therefore brings a wide understanding of publicly-funded services, as well as experience of driving commercial strategies which support long-term financial sustainability.