YouthNet appoints new Chief Executive Officer

by Ollie Drackford

Head of Marcoms

Wednesday 1st April 2015

YouthNet has today announced the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer.

Chris Martin, formerly YouthNet’s Director of Operations, will take over from Emma Thomas, who has been at the charity’s helm for four years. In his new role, Chris will have combined responsibility for the Charity’s leadership as well as for digital delivery.

New Chief Executive, Chris Martin, said: “I am delighted to take over the reins of YouthNet as we continue to grow as a digitally agile organisation. The challenges facing young people in the UK have never been tougher and the need for our service is greater than ever. The YouthNet team, working alongside our incredible volunteers, is uniquely positioned to provide invaluable support to young people across the digital platforms that are integral to their lives.

“I look forward to continuing to work with staff, trustees and supporters to grow the reach and impact of our services by empowering even more young people to support their peers and make informed choices about their lives.”

Luke Taylor, Chair of Trustees at YouthNet and Global CEO of Digitas LBi, said: “Chris will succeed Emma whose amazing work over the last four years has established YouthNet as a respected champion of digital as a force for good.

“I am confident that under the guidance of Chris in his new role of Chief Executive, YouthNet will continue to evolve and innovate, so that we can ensure more young people access crucial support wherever and wherever they need it.”

Emma Thomas will be stepping down as CEO at the end of April to fulfill a personal ambition to travel and volunteer overseas. She will also be working on a number of sector projects focussed around her passion for the role of digital to support young people. Emma said: “It’s been a real privilege to lead YouthNet and to work alongside the dedicated team, our incredible volunteers and our many partners, to deliver vital support for young people through the power of digital.”

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Media contact: Zoe Bailie

[email protected] or 020 7250 5720/07766 660755

Notes to editor:
YouthNet is the charity behind online guide to life, TheSite, which supports over 1 million 16 to 25 year olds in the UK each year.

The UK’s first exclusively online charity, YouthNet creates digital solutions to ease young people’s isolation and to make their lives better.

YouthNet has developed a range of complementary digital services to support young people:

TheSite – The guide to life for 16 to 25 year-olds, with 2,000 articles/videos/blogs about job seeking, housing, sexual health, mental wellbeing, drugs and more.

StepFinder – Local help, easily found. An app that pin-points the nearest local support service and shows young people how to get there and what to expect.

MadlyIn Love– A digital service where young people can share how they feel about sex, love and mental health.