The Directors
Denise Smart, Managing Director
My name is Denise and I’m the Managing Director at RIPA Energy. 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 for the organisation, 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 Energy. 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, 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 Energy. I have overall responsibility for all of RIPA Energy’s course delivery and content development, quality management and specialist support including our customised training and consultancy.
I have been with the company for 6 years, and prior to working at RIPA , 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.