YTKO Ltd is delighted to announce the appointment of Lee Hughes as the new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Lee, who has been an integral part of the YTKO leadership team since 2011, brings with him a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success across the private, public, and third sectors. His appointment marks a new era for YTKO as the company continues to expand its influence and drive forward with innovative solutions for business growth and development.
Outgoing CEO, Bev Hurley, CBE, after 25 years leading the company, will be stepping up to Executive Chair, continuing to support Lee, the Senior Management Team (SMT) and the Employee Ownership Trust. Bev will continue to lead our high growth and investment readiness client portfolio and new product and service innovation.
Bev says: ‘Lee joined us back in 2011 and has consistently proved himself to be a worthy successor in whom I have long had complete confidence, trust and respect. His knowledge and skills are beyond any doubt, and I cannot think of anyone who exemplifies our values more than him. Lee will be a first-class leader to take YTKO into its 50th year and beyond”.
A proven leader with a vision for growth
Lee is no stranger to the demands of leadership. With over 18 years of experience in project and programme design and contract management, Lee has consistently demonstrated his ability to deliver successful outcomes in challenging environments. His career has been characterised by a strong focus on strategic development, operational excellence, and financial resilience. As the Head of Enterprise and later as Deputy CEO at YTKO, Lee has played a pivotal role in the company’s significant growth, particularly within the public sector.
During his tenure, he has been instrumental in expanding YTKO’s public sector portfolio from £8 million to over £75 million, opening new geographies and offices, and successfully diversifying the company’s service provision. His work alongside Bev has ensured that YTKO remains a leader in the market, delivering high-impact results for clients across various sectors.
“I am honoured to take on the role of CEO at YTKO.” said Lee. “This company has a rich heritage of supporting businesses across the UK and Europe, and I am excited to lead our team into the next phase of growth. We will continue to focus on delivering high-quality services that make a real difference for our clients, while also exploring new ways to innovate and expand our offerings.”
As YTKO enters this new chapter, the company looks forward to building on its past successes and exploring new avenues for growth. With a strong leadership team, a clear vision for the future, and a commitment to excellence, YTKO is set to continue its trajectory as a leader in business consultancy and support services.
A final word from Bev
Bev says: ‘It has been my joy, my passion and my life leading, living and breathing YTKO for a quarter century. I have been truly honoured to work alongside many amazing colleagues during that time to deliver such a massive tangible impact for the thousands of entrepreneurs and businesses that drive it – and the creation of more than 17,000 new jobs for the UK economy. Together we have achieved amazing benchmarks and pioneered exceptional and innovative brands and services where nothing existed before. I wish Lee and the whole team every success for the future”.