News about our CEO Jo Youle, and a new Chair for Missing People

In early Spring 2026, Missing People’s current CEO, Jo Youle OBE, will begin a new role as the CEO of the Windsor Leadership Trust. Jo has brilliantly led Missing People for 13 years as CEO, following her previous role as Director of Services. Ross Miller will be the Interim CEO of Missing People until the recruitment of a permanent CEO next year. Ross has been Missing People’s longstanding Director of Fundraising and Communications. 

Lisa Jones has been appointed as Missing People’s new Chair of Trustees. Lisa will take on the new role at the end of December 2025, following Justin McLaren who has led the Board for his maximum 6-year term, and after over 10 years as a Trustee. Justin will continue to work closely with Lisa throughout December, ensuring a great handover, supported throughout by the charity’s executive team.

Lisa is part of Nurole / WB Directors – dedicated to empowering individuals with the connections and support they need to advance to board level roles. Lisa’s own business life is spent in Marketing Communications Agencies, working with large corporations across Europe. In addition, Lisa is an active business angel investor and trustee of a Community Interest Company called The Feel Good Bakery, and was until recently, Chair of the charity Regenerate.

Lisa Jones said: 

“Justin, as Chair, and Jo, as CEO, have been true supporters of the cause, and Missing People. Leading the charity through times of change with care, wisdom and generosity for the people the charity is here for. The charity has built a strong, experienced, grounded, and proactive Trustee Board and senior leadership team. I’m delighted to help take Missing People forward from such a solid position.” 

Jo Youle OBE said: 

“I’d like to thank Justin McLaren for his incredible service to missing people and their families for over a decade.  

I’m beyond lucky to have been part of the journey of this amazing charity that is very close to my heart. This will be a big change for me, and I believe this is also a good time for Missing People too. I’m confident, proud, and assured at the depth of experience and wisdom across the Board, Directors, staff and volunteers of Missing People. I’ve worked alongside Ross throughout my time at the charity, and I know he commands the respect and support of Trustees, Directors, our supporters, and key stakeholders.” 

Justin McLaren said:

“Lisa brings incredible acumen, experience and heart to Missing People and it is my privilege to hand over to her as Chair. The charity being there for the community of people affected by a disappearance has never been more needed. It has been my privilege to play my part, as I will continue to do in other ways.” 

“Jo has been an exceptional leader and wonderful ambassador as Chief Executive over the past 14 years. Her intelligence, dedication, resilience and empathy have been at the forefront of Missing People’s rise to thriving as a charity of substantive impact in its work that constantly punches above its weight. Jo’s relationships with our generous and loyal supporters and her vision have been tremendous.  On behalf of everyone, I would like to thank her for her dedicated service to our cause”. 

“One of Jo’s greatest skills has been in the development of an excellent team, and I am extremely pleased that, following a rigorous internal process, Ross Miller will take up the role of Interim Chief Executive. He is well known and highly respected across our sector and has for many years successfully championed the causes of the families and individuals we are so very proud to serve. 

“The appointments of Ross and Lisa give our charity the opportunity to put in place the structure, priorities and the planning for growth that meets the future needs of the charity. Everyone associated with us can be pleased that these two appointments will continue to move the charity forward at pace; fully respecting its roots but ambitious for its future.”