The Mix is thrilled to announce the appointment of John Blair as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The Mix is entering its second decade of empowering young people, and the addition of John to lead the team marks the start of an exciting new chapter for the charity. John will start in post in late October.
John has significant experience working with charities and social enterprises serving young people. He has been CEO of a charity in Essex that supports young people and adults with learning needs to help them tackle social exclusion, and prior to that he was Head of Centre at Flatford Mill, and part of the Field Studies Council, where he was responsible for leading a residential environment education business.
John has delivered great impact in these roles and has led the development of his organisations’ most important assets, their staff teams and volunteer bodies, to enable them to deliver and develop high quality services for their users.
On his appointment John said, “I am extremely excited to be joining the team at The Mix as Chief Executive Officer. My roles over the years have helped shape my understanding of different sectors, but particularly the youth and charity sectors. This experience has enabled me to make strong connections in the youth sector in East Anglia, and I look forward to being able to reinforce those connections.
“Young people are the next generation and the need for support is growing. The Mix has been doing some fantastic work over the past decade supporting young people with safe spaces, 1-1 mentoring, alternative education, youth social prescribing and so much more. I can’t wait to help the charity develop even further over the years.”
Jane Crawford, Interim CEO of The Mix said: “Since March I’ve had the privilege of working alongside the brilliant teams at The Mix. I’ve seen first-hand the difference they make for young people every single day, and it’s been a joy to use my networks to help grow and reinforce our partnerships across Stowmarket and east Suffolk.
“John will bring a wealth of experience to The Mix and 127 Trading, operationally and commercially, to lead the next stage of development.
“He has had great success in managing youth-based service delivery and commercial trading activities, leading fundraising and building strong external partnerships, and in ensuring the buildings and facilities provide safe and effective environments.
“As I hand over to John, I know The Mix is in safe hands and poised to go from strength to strength.”
Stay tuned for more updates as The Mix embarks on this exciting next phase!
