About Astute Virtual Assistant

Astute Virtual Assistant provides discreet, high-quality support to founders, executives, and private individuals who expect a professional and seamless standard of service.

Founded by Cristina Riddell, the business is built on years of experience supporting senior decision-makers in fast-paced environments, where precision, organisation, and trust are essential.

Operating as a flexible and dependable support function, Astute Virtual Assistant integrates effortlessly into each client’s way of working, ensuring that business and personal demands are managed with care, efficiency, and attention to detail.



Where additional support is required, a trusted network of associates is engaged to maintain continuity and uphold the same high standards.

Our Approach

Exceptional support should feel effortless.

We take the time to understand how you operate, what requires your attention, and what can be handled on your behalf. From there, we provide structured, reliable support that allows you to focus on higher-value priorities.



Whether managing operations, coordinating schedules, or supporting personal commitments, our role is to ensure everything behind the scenes runs smoothly, consistently, and without unnecessary involvement from you.

Cristina Riddell brings a calm, considered approach to supporting individuals operating at a high level.

With a background in executive assistance and office management, she has worked closely with founders, senior leaders, and entrepreneurs — often acting as a trusted point of coordination across both business and personal matters.

Her strngth lies in quickly understanding how her clients work, anticipating needs, and maintaining a level of organisation that allows others to operate at their best.

Known for her discretion, reliability, and attention to detail, Cristina provides a consistent and professional presence, ensuring that priorities are managed effectively and nothing is overlooked.

She works with a select number of clients to maintain a high standard of service and a close, trusted working relationship.

“I have always found Cristina to be a charming, loyal, intelligent and hard-working member of the team. She has always approached the work she does with common sense and diligence and I have been impressed with her professional approach.”

Mark Hopkins Owner, We'll Mind Your Own Business Ltd

“Cristina was a breath of fresh air and immediately got stuck in on helping get our bookkeeping up to date, analysing hundreds of transactions, ensuring there was an appropriate documentation trail, and keeping everything organised. She wasn't shy to ask questions to ensure she fully understood the task at hand as often only a quick overview was provided. ” 

Michelle Eischeid, CFA Divisional CFO

“Cristina was great to work with and possesses a great attitude. She is tremendously professional and hardworking.”

Prasun Singhal, Associate Director, Private Equity at EBRD

“Cristina is incredibly organised, efficient and diligent with any task that she is allocated. We worked together for 3 years and in that time she quickly became an incredible asset to our business, managing our most complex projects and sizable teams, even at such a young age. She is very talented, confident and I would welcome her back in my organisation anytime.”

Oliver Bridgen Co-Founder & COO at Ballinger & Co. Ltd