Mermaids appoints Johanna Hardy as new Chief Executive Officer  

Mermaids, the UK charity supporting transgender, non-binary and gender-diverse children, young people and their families, is delighted to announce the appointment of Johanna Hardy (she/her) as its new Chief Executive Officer. 

Jo will be taking up the role in November 2025, bringing more than 20 years of leadership experience in the charity sector. Her career includes senior roles at Young Minds, Gingerbread, Contact and Mencap, with a strong focus on children, families, mental health and marginalised communities.   

Over the course of her career, Jo has led national support lines, face-to-face family support services, expert online information hubs and inclusive family events. She has extensive expertise in service development, safeguarding, quality assurance, evaluation, fundraising and organisational strategy. She also served as Vice-Chair of the BBC Children in Need grant-making committee for London and the South East.  

Jo’s personal experience campaigning for trans rights alongside her son – who has lived in his authentic gender identity for the past decade – has shaped her commitment to supporting trans, non-binary and gender-diverse young people. A passionate advocate for equity, inclusion and positive mental health, Jo is also an active member of All About Trans and the NEON spokesperson’s network.  

Speaking on her appointment, Jo said:  

“I am hugely excited and inspired at the prospect of joining and leading Mermaids as your next CEO. This role brings together my extensive charity sector expertise with my personal passion and lived experience in campaigning for trans rights as a parent ally. Mermaids is a remarkable charity whose work is needed now more than ever, and I am deeply humbled by the resilience and dedication of everyone involved. I can’t wait to play my part in moving this vital work forward.”  

Chair of Trustees, Hardeep Aiden said:  

“We are thrilled to welcome Jo to Mermaids. Her breadth of leadership experience, combined with her personal commitment to championing trans rights, makes her the ideal person to lead the charity into its next chapter. We look forward to working with Jo to continue delivering vital support for trans, non-binary and gender-diverse children and young people, and their families.”  

For media enquiries, please contact:  
press@mermaidsuk.org.uk