Asylos is thrilled to announce the appointment of Jo Pettitt and Carolina Albuerne as Co-Directors, ushering in a new era of leadership for the organisation effective January 2024. This dual appointment signifies a strategic move towards dynamic and experienced co-leadership.

Before introducing our new Co-Directors, Asylos would like to express deep gratitude to Sophie Kloos, the outgoing Director, for her dedicated service over the past seven years. Under Sophie's leadership, Asylos has achieved significant milestones and witnessed remarkable growth. Sophie's unwavering commitment and tireless efforts have left an indelible mark on the organisation, shaping it into the vibrant and impactful entity it is today.

Sophie's leadership has been instrumental in fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and collaboration within Asylos. Her dedication to the organisation's mission has not only driven its growth but has also inspired countless individuals within the team of staff and volunteers.

Asylos extends heartfelt thanks to Sophie Kloos for her outstanding achievements and transformative leadership. The organisation is immensely grateful for her contributions, and her legacy will undoubtedly continue to resonate within the fabric of Asylos.

As Asylos welcomes Jo Pettitt and Carolina Albuerne as Co-Directors, the organisation is confident in their ability to build upon the strong foundation laid by Sophie Kloos. Jo and Carolina bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion to their roles, ensuring a seamless transition and a continued commitment to excellence.

Jo Pettitt's extensive experience in the refugee and migration sector is rooted in her ongoing commitment to utilising research and advocacy in the pursuit of access to justice for people seeking asylum and refugees. Her decade-long tenure at Freedom from Torture in London, where she played a pivotal role in developing and leading the research program within the Policy and Advocacy Directorate, underscores her commitment to human rights and to the advancement of just and humane asylum processes. Jo's experience at the Immigration Advisory Service, producing crucial Country of Origin Information (COI) research for UK asylum procedures, shapes and underpins her understanding of and commitment to the core mission of Asylos. With academic credentials including a BA in Anthropology from Durham University, an MA in Anthropology of Development from Goldsmiths, University of London, as well as professional research training, Jo combines academic rigour with hands-on experience. Fluent in English and competent in Farsi, her cross cultural perspective, partly rooted in a decade of living in Iran, enriches her understanding of the complexities surrounding migration and asylum.

Carolina Albuerne brings over two decades of profound experience in the refugee and migration field to her role as Co-Director. Notably, she developed and led Refugee Action's groundbreaking Good Practice & Partnerships team, establishing the UK's first infrastructure support team in the refugee and migrant sector. Her extensive career encompasses impactful roles at organizations such as Freedom from Torture, Refugee Council, and the Poppy Project, where she actively contributed to shaping policies and practices that address the unique challenges faced by displaced individuals. Holding a BA Hons in English from Oviedo University in Spain and a Post Graduate Diploma in Conflict, Security, and Development from the University of Leeds, UK, Carolina's academic achievements parallel her hands-on experience. Based in Gijón, Spain, Carolina is fluent in English, Spanish, and some French, reflecting her global perspective and ability to navigate diverse cultural contexts. 

Together, Jo Pettitt and Carolina Albuerne form a formidable team, poised to lead Asylos into a future marked by innovation, inclusivity, and continued dedication to the organisation's mission.

Jo Pettitt can be contacted at [email protected] or [email protected].

Carolina Albuerne can be contacted at [email protected] or [email protected].

Asylos looks forward to the continued growth and impact under the joint leadership of Jo Pettitt and Carolina Albuerne.