21 May 2025. As Career Returners enters its second decade, the social impact organisation announces a leadership transition to support its next chapter of innovation and growth. From 26 May 2025, Co-Founder and CEO Julianne Miles will move into the role of Executive Chair and Hazel Little, Deputy CEO, will become CEO. As part of this transition, Karen Danker, Head of Coaching, will become Head of Coaching and Community.  

In her 11 years as CEO and Co-Founder, Julianne has built the organisation from a two-person London-based start-up to a global organisation, partnering with over 200 leading employers to support over 4,000 professionals back into skilled roles, and building an empowering community of 10,000 returners. In 2019, her social impact was recognised when she received an MBE for Services to Business and Equality, in recognition of changing the landscape for UK returners. 

In her new role, Julianne will focus on strategic planning, innovation and market growth. She will continue to act as an expert public voice and an advocate for returners, to represent Career Returners on a variety of change-focused taskforces, and to work with Career Returners Employer Advisory Board and the new CEO on business planning. 

Hazel will take over the lead on day-to-day operations, team direction and employer partnerships. As Deputy CEO for the last 3 years and as an integral part of Career Returners for the last nine years, Hazel has played a major role in scaling the organisation’s commercial growth and social impact.  

As Career Returners Head of Coaching since 2019, Karen has firmly established Career Returners as the world leader in coaching programmes for professionals returning to work after a career break. She will now also be bringing her skills and experience to lead the global Career Returners Community, supported through the organisation’s tech community platform. She will work with Natalie Scott-Gordon, the Community Manager, to empower returners around the world to return to fulfilling work. 

The Career Returners team looks forward to an exciting new chapter!