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Kathy Walton announced as new Kaplan Financial C.E.O.

Portrait of the new CEO Kathy Walton

Kaplan is pleased to announce Kathy Walton as the new C.E.O. of Kaplan Financial.

Kathy has been with Kaplan Financial for many years, holding numerous positions along the way. With previous experience in audit practice, Kathy joined Kaplan (or the Financial Training Company as it was then) to pass those learnings on to students first hand as a tutor. She progressed through the ranks, previously holding the positions of Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer.

On route to being the first female C.E.O. of Kaplan Financial, Kathy has played a key role in the development of apprenticeships within professional and financial services, and the expansion of Kaplan into online as well as classroom-based learning.

She’s also a passionate voice when it comes to encouraging organisations to provide opportunity for those from all walks of life and backgrounds.

As the youngest of nine, Kathy thrives in a lively debate - including the relative merits of apprenticeships versus university as the route to your career goals. She enjoys mentoring those ready to leave school in what their choices are to get the career they want. Outside of work, Kathy can be found walking around her beloved local countryside in the West Pennines.

Kathy on her new position as Kaplan Financial C.E.O.:

As someone who was never expected to rise to the position I now hold, doing something I love, I am passionate about making sure there are opportunities for all to become the very best version of themselves. Education is the key that opens the door.

Kathy succeeds Peter Houillon who steps into the roles of Chairman of Kaplan Professional UK & Ireland, and CFO of Kaplan International.

The success of every learner is at the heart of our business

Learn more about Kaplan

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Kathy Walton announced as new Kaplan Financial C.E.O.

Portrait of the new CEO Kathy Walton

Kaplan is pleased to announce Kathy Walton as the new C.E.O. of Kaplan Financial.

Kathy has been with Kaplan Financial for many years, holding numerous positions along the way. With previous experience in audit practice, Kathy joined Kaplan (or the Financial Training Company as it was then) to pass those learnings on to students first hand as a tutor. She progressed through the ranks, previously holding the positions of Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer.

On route to being the first female C.E.O. of Kaplan Financial, Kathy has played a key role in the development of apprenticeships within professional and financial services, and the expansion of Kaplan into online as well as classroom-based learning.

She’s also a passionate voice when it comes to encouraging organisations to provide opportunity for those from all walks of life and backgrounds.

As the youngest of nine, Kathy thrives in a lively debate - including the relative merits of apprenticeships versus university as the route to your career goals. She enjoys mentoring those ready to leave school in what their choices are to get the career they want. Outside of work, Kathy can be found walking around her beloved local countryside in the West Pennines.

Kathy on her new position as Kaplan Financial C.E.O.:

As someone who was never expected to rise to the position I now hold, doing something I love, I am passionate about making sure there are opportunities for all to become the very best version of themselves. Education is the key that opens the door.

Kathy succeeds Peter Houillon who steps into the roles of Chairman of Kaplan Professional UK & Ireland, and CFO of Kaplan International.

The success of every learner is at the heart of our business

Learn more about Kaplan

Related articles

10 young accountants who made history

10 young accountants who made history

These 10 inspiring young professionals prove that a career in accounting can be a launchpad for changing the world.

Kaplan · 3 minute read

Empowering the next generation: Kaplan’s career boost programme

Empowering the next generation: Kaplan’s career boost programme

Discover how our free career boost programme is bridging skill gaps and empowering young people with resources and tailored support.

Kaplan · 3 minute read

Kaplan celebrates two wins at the PQ Awards 2025

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After being announced as finalists for several categories, we were delighted to attend the PQ Magazine Awards again this year.

Kaplan · 2 minute read

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