News

Recruitment has started for a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust.  

Next year will mark 100 years since the birth of the Trust’s visionary founder, Gerald Durrell. It will also see the culmination of Durrell’s ‘Rewild our World’ strategy and the formulation of an impactful, ambitious, and inspiring plan to guide the Trust through the next 10 years of its journey. The new CEO will lead Durrell into this exciting next chapter. 

Durrell’s Chair, Matthew Hatchwell, commented: “Durrell today has grown from a small zoo to a global conservation organisation. Whilst saving species is still at the heart of what we do, our ambition to bring about change far exceeds this. We use our species management expertise, combined with world-class science and international training programmes, to drive the rewilding of ecosystems so that they are more functional, diverse and resilient to a rapidly changing world.   

As pressures on the natural world increase, the role of organisations like Durrell has never been more important. We look forward to hearing from candidates who feel inspired to join us on our journey in creating a wilder, healthier, and more colorful world for both people and wildlife.” 

Rebecca Brewer, previously Director of Finance and Commercial has been acting as Interim-CEO since the end of 2023. The priority has been to provide stability for the Trust and Rebecca remains in place as Interim CEO while recruitment takes place for a permanent Chief Executive.

As well as recruiting a new CEO, Durrell is also looking to elect four Trustees to its Board later this year. Durrell’s Board of Trustees is made up of passionate and dedicated experts, with diverse backgrounds and relevant experience from different organisations. Trustees voluntarily offer their time to ensure the Trust meets its regulatory requirements and hold the senior leadership team accountable for delivering Durrell’s strategic goals. 

Talking about these roles, Chair of Durrell’s Governance Committee, Richard Daggett added: “We welcome applications from dynamic and forward-thinking individuals with a global perspective. We are specifically looking for Trustees who have significant experience in fundraising and philanthropy, zoo management, conservation science and training or experience in professional directorships and investments. However, we understand that Boards thrive with Trustees who bring a broad spectrum of skills and experience. We therefore invite nominations from candidates who believe their expertise can contribute to the Trust’s future success.” 

More information about the CEO and Trustee roles can be found on the Durrell website.

Trustee applications must be received by Friday 16 August 2024.

CEO recruitment is being managed by Berwick Partners, and the deadline for applications is 1st September 2024.