We have today announced that our Chief Executive James Blake will be stepping down later this year to take up a new external role as CEO of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority.
Departing YHA in autumn, James has led us since 2017, guiding the organisation through a period of major change.
During his tenure, James steered YHA through the pandemic shutdowns and cost of living crisis, helping the organisation survive and maintain its commitment to extend its reach and impact in an increasingly competitive market and challenging economic environment
Our 10-year strategy and subsequent refresh in 2025, saw the development of new partnerships across the public, private and voluntary sectors including leading the innovative Access Unlimited coalition which delivered the Generation Green programme and connected more than 140,000 young people with nature.
Additionally, he has strengthened grassroots access to the outdoors through initiatives such as the annual our Festival of Walking, our growing Outdoor Citizens community and No Child Left Behind campaign.
These initiatives have become central to our ongoing mission to break down barriers to nature, creating inclusive, low-cost opportunities for people of all backgrounds to access the outdoors. Initiatives such as these have reinforced our role not just as an accommodation provider, but as an active enabler of outdoor participation and social connection.
Our Board of Trustees thanked James for his contribution to YHA and to our mission of enabling everyone, especially young people, to connect with people, nature and heritage through hostels in amazing places.
Margaret Hart, our Chair of Trustees said: “On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank James wholeheartedly for his leadership and for steering YHA through an exceptionally challenging period. Throughout this, his commitment to YHA’s mission, and his ability to bring people together in support of this, have created a lasting impact for young people. We are immensely grateful for his contribution and wish him every success in his next role.”
James Blake, our Chief Executive said: “It has been a huge privilege to lead YHA over the last nine years. I am incredibly proud of what YHA has achieved in what has been an exceptionally challenging period. Despite major external challenges, we have provided thousands of opportunities to young people who would otherwise have missed out on a life changing stay with us.
“YHA is a very special organisation, with a dedicated staff team, loyal members, passionate volunteers and a clear social purpose. It will be a huge wrench to leave, but the opportunity to lead the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority is too good to miss.
“I look forward to building on YHA’s strong relationships with National Parks in my new role.”
Our charitable mission, strategic priorities and transformation programmes will continue throughout the transition period ahead of a new CEO appointment.
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