James Blake

James Blake is Chief Executive of YHA (Youth Hostels Association). Before joining YHA in 2017, James spent nearly twenty years working in central and local government including at St Albans City and District Council, with five years as Chief Executive. James trained as a geographer and before joining government he completed a PhD on environmental values and sustainable development.

James has held various non-exec roles: he is currently Chair of national charity ACRE (Action with Communities in Rural England); a former Governor of the University of Hertfordshire; and trustee of a local music charity. James lives in St Albans, and in his spare time likes to enjoy all things outdoors: mountain walking, trail running, travel and sport.

In September James will be taking up a new role as CEO of Yorkshire Dales National Park.