Press release from SWT:
[registration_form]The Scottish Wildlife Trust is pleased to announce the appointment of Jo Pike as Chief Executive with immediate effect.
Jo has been a member of the Trust’s Senior Management Team since 2010, most recently as Director of Public Affairs and Deputy Chief Executive since 2014. She takes over from Jonny Hughes, who has become Chief Executive of the World Conservation Monitoring Centre (WCMC).
Linda Rosborough, Chair of the Scottish Wildlife Trust said: ‘Jo has first-class leadership skills and she is an experienced member of our senior management team. She is very well-positioned to drive the Trust forward as it seeks to achieve its vision. I look forward to working closely with her in this new role.’.
Jo Pike, newly appointed Chief Executive said: ‘With one in eleven species in Scotland at risk of extinction, nature conservation has never been more important. Nature conservation charities like the Scottish Wildlife Trust have a vital role to play.
There is immense talent, energy and commitment within the Trust and it is a huge privilege to be appointed as the new Chief Executive. I look forward to working with our members, supporters, staff, volunteers and partners, as well as actively reaching out to new groups, to build on the legacy of my predecessor, Jonny Hughes, with whom I have been fortunate to work closely over the past nine years.
Nature conservation needs to become a natural part of people’s daily lives. We will only achieve this when people know they have a stake in our success – not only the success of the Scottish Wildlife Trust but of all organisations working to halt the loss of our biodiversity before it’s too late.‘.
Jo has over 23 years’ experience in the third sector, including in communications, environmental policy advocacy, strategy development, fundraising and stakeholder engagement.
As Project Director of the World Forum on Natural Capital Jo has played a leading role in the development of natural capital in Scotland and internationally. She also sits on the Steering Group for the Scottish Forum on Natural Capital, as well as the Scottish Conservation Finance Project.
Jonny Hughes, from whom Jo takes over as Chief Executive, will stay on in a voluntary capacity as an Ambassador for the Trust.
ENDS
There is a huge need for strong leadership from NGOs. In Scotland, the government has a huge task, which it appears to be taking seriously, to tackle the issues facing wildlife and the environment. Scotland, in some respects is more alert to the issues. New legislation, regardless of Brexit, is being developed and consulted upon. Bodies like SWT can and should energise their membership in support of better legislation, in a far more effective way than they presently achieve.
Good luck to Jo.