The Directors
Denise Smart, Managing Director
My name is Denise and I’m the Managing Director at RIPA International. I have worked with the organisation for 15 years and before becoming the MD, I worked across a variety of posts including course co-ordination, marketing and management.
Prior to working at RIPA International, I had various roles within the service industry, but more recently I was a full time mother to my three children before returning to full time education where I read Mathematics and Information Technology. I am also heavily involved in working with the children in my local community and I am a volunteer swimming teaching and coach in my spare time.
Simon Nairn, Business Development Director
My name is Simon Nairn and I am the Business Development Director at RIPA International. I have been with the organisation for nearly 7 years and am extremely lucky to have travelled around the world to visit many of our clients. I find it very pleasing and rewarding to receive positive feedback and hear about the results and progression of those who have attended our programmes. I have formed many friendships over the years, and am pleased to say to those who have encouraged me that I am now a happily married man.
Before arriving at RIPA International, I worked as a Golf Events Manager after completing my studies in Business, Tourism and French. Part of this course was in Australia, which really kick started my interest in travel and cultural awareness. I am also a keen golf player with a 10 handicap, but also love playing and watching football and tennis.
Anthony Birch, Delivery and Operations Director
My name is Anthony and I’m the Delivery and Operations Director at RIPA International. I have overall responsibility for all of RIPA International’s course delivery and content development, quality management and specialist support including our customised training and consultancy.
The most valuable and rewarding part of being a RIPA International member of staff, is when a participant tells me, without being prompted(!), that “RIPA International made a difference to me.” I have been with the company for 6 years, and prior to working at RIPA International, I was involved in political research and worked in communications for creative agencies with national and international public and private sector clients.
I really enjoy the opportunity to meet many people across the globe and talk about key issues in reform and organisational development – discovering time and again there is more we share in seeking pragmatic solutions to universal concerns that cross politics, culture and territorial borders.
I am married with 3 children (2 boys and a girl) and continue to take an active role in school governance at our local primary school in South London.