We are delighted to announce the appointment of Jude McKee as our new Chief Executive.
Jude commenced her role on 2 September, succeeding Jill Murray, who retired at the end of August 2026 after leading Launchpad through a significant period of transformation from 2024 to 2026.
Jude brings extensive executive leadership experience across housing, homelessness and social care. She spent five years at St Mungo’s, including as Area Manager for Hackney and East London, before eleven years at Strides, progressing from Head of Services to Chief Executive. Most recently, she co-founded Nonprofit Impact, working with charity and social care leaders on organisational transformation, and joined the Board of Walterton and Elgin Community Homes, a resident-led Housing Association, where she has particular oversight of Asset and Property Strategy and Operations.
She has led organisations through significant periods of change, with particular expertise in governance, service quality, organisational culture, regulatory compliance, risk and assurance, and partnership development. Jude takes over a charity in a strong position, with the governance, financial and strategic foundations required to deliver Launchpad’s five-year strategy to 2030.
On joining Launchpad, Jude commented:
“I’m delighted to have joined Launchpad at such an exciting point in its journey. Having spent much of my career working in housing, homelessness and social care, I know how important it is to combine safe, secure housing with the right support and opportunities to rebuild an independent life. My focus will be on putting veterans at the heart of our work, supporting our brilliant team, strengthening our partnerships, and ensuring the voices and experiences of veterans continue to be heard.”
Ian Dormer CBE, Chair of the Board, said:
“We had an exceptional field of candidates for this role. Jude’s experience leading organisations through transformation, combined with her deep knowledge of housing, homelessness and supported services, makes her the right person to take Launchpad into its next chapter. The Board welcomes Jude and very much looks forward to working with her.”
Launchpad provides vital accommodation and targeted support to UK Armed Forces veterans experiencing homelessness and unemployment. The charity manages three houses in the North of England in Liverpool, Newcastle upon Tyne, and Durham and accepts veterans from all over the UK. It provides accommodation for 98 homeless veterans at any one time.
