York SU recently welcomed in their two new Co-Chief Executive Officers, Rachel Barber and Gemma Vessey in a public statement on the York SU website.
Gemma Vessey had been Deputy CEO of York Students’ Union, while Rachel Barber stepped into the position from her role as Director of Representation and Student Support Services.
Yeme Onoabhagbe, the former CEO, previously occupied the position for just one year. Starting the role in January 2025, she had packed her bags by the end of the year,
announcing her departure from York SU in early February 2026.
There is no public information regarding the reason for her exit. But Onoabhagbe’s LinkedIn post, made in February, reads: “as we begin 2026, I’m excited to share that I’m exploring my next leadership opportunity” and that she is “forever grateful to the teams at Student Minds and York SU for their support.”
She also says that she is searching for a new permanent position, saying “please do share or point me toward any leadership roles that you think might be a good fit.”