News

Friday 6 December 2024

After an extensive global selection process, Durrell, the international conservation organisation, has appointed Rebecca Brewer as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).  

Durrell's mission to save species from extinction is delivered by the dedicated team working at Jersey Zoo and around the world. The Board of Trustees sought a leader with significant professional expertise and the ability to inspire and unify the Trust's talented and committed global teams.  

Over the past year, Rebecca has served as Durrell's Interim CEO, effectively guiding the organisation through a challenging period. Despite the obstacles, Durrell's teams celebrated key achievements, including progress on their new conservation programme in the Scottish Highlands and the development of the new gorilla house at Jersey Zoo. 

Rebecca’s new role at Durrell perfectly combines her passion for wildlife and the environment with her professional experience. Rebecca joined Durrell in 2019, initially as Director of Finance then taking on responsibility for commercial operations and IT in 2020. As a Chartered Accountant, prior to joining Durrell, she spent 15 years working for PwC, delivering assurance and advisory engagements across a range of global financial services, hospitality and leisure clients. 

In 2017, driven by her longstanding passion for nature, Rebecca took a sabbatical to volunteer on wildlife conservation projects in Botswana and Zimbabwe. She has a geography degree and holds an MSc in environmental science. Rebecca has also contributed to the business community in Jersey for many years, serving as Treasurer for the Institute of Directors, Jersey Branch and currently as Treasurer for the Jersey Association of Sustainability Practitioners. 

Matthew Hatchwell, Chair of the Board of Trustees of Durrell, said: “We are delighted to appoint Rebecca as Durrell CEO. Rebecca brings strong professional experience, having worked across complex, global organisations along with, most importantly, a passion for Durrell and its mission. In an excellent field of candidates, her commitment and clarity of purpose stood out: ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Trust and continuing to grow its global impact on species, ecosystems and communities. The Trustees were unanimous in their decision to appoint Rebecca, valuing her positivity, enthusiasm and integrity. The Board is especially looking forward to working with Rebecca and her leadership team over the next 12 months to shape Durrell’s new strategy.” 

Rebecca Brewer, newly appointed CEO of Durrell, said: “I am proud to be given the opportunity to lead Durrell. I look forward to working with my colleagues and our partners to develop and deliver an ambitious and sustainable strategy with Gerald’s legacy at its heart, that carries Durrell into the future. I am truly excited for our next chapter and to build on our incredible success to develop a wilder, healthier and more colourful world for both people and wildlife.” 

Dr Lee Durrell, Honorary Director of Durrell, said: “I am thrilled that Becky Brewer is to be Durrell’s next CEO. Ever since she started working for us, she has shown that she lives by our values of being ‘purposeful, accountable and supportive’. In a manner that is both fair-minded and compassionate, Becky will lead us into a bright future, strengthening and expanding our conservation mission to meet the many challenges that lie ahead.” 

Rebecca will be available for interview from mid January.