Meet WWF’s new Chief Conservation Officer - Daudi Sumba

 WWF International has appointed Daudi Sumba to the post of Chief Conservation Officer. Daudi is a passionate conservationist and leader who has spent more than 30 years working in biodiversity conservation across the African continent. 

Previously, Daudi has worked in senior leadership roles for Conservation International, The Nature Conservancy, African Wildlife Foundation and the Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa. He now joins the WWF International executive team after serving as WWF’s Regional Director for Southern and Eastern Africa.

Daudi Sumba, WWF Chief Conservation Officer, said: “I am thrilled to be taking on the Chief Conservation Officer position at WWF International. This is a critical moment for WWF and our planet, as we seek to advocate for significant change and to maximize our conservation impact between now and 2030. After over 30 years of leading conservation and development work across Africa, I am excited to bring my leadership and vision to drive conservation impact globally. I am passionate about the sustainable conservation of natural resources and wildlife, and increasing the recognition of the role of natural resources in enabling development and poverty reduction in Africa and around the world.”

Kirsten Schuijt, WWF Director General, said: “I am delighted to welcome Daudi to WWF’s leadership team. Daudi’s extensive leadership experience and conservation expertise will be a huge asset to our leadership team and to the WWF network. He brings invaluable experience and perspective from leading conservation work in Africa - a continent of critical importance for our mission to restore our natural world and achieve sustainable development. With his unique blend of management, fundraising and advocacy skills, I am confident that he will provide the leadership and stewardship required to drive our ambitious conservation agenda forward. I would also like to warmly thank outgoing Chief Conservation Officer Jon Hutton for his dedication and leadership over the past three years.”

Daudi holds a M.A. (Economics) degree in Environment and Development from the University of Manchester, UK and a B.A. in Economics from Egerton University, Kenya. He has also received extensive executive training in strategy, negotiations, operations, programme management and development evaluation from the Strathmore Business School, Harvard Law School, Kellogg School of Management and Carleton University respectively.

Daudi is a member of the African Leadership Network and has published articles in books and peer-reviewed journals on wildlife economy, conservation, ecotourism and poverty reduction. He also volunteers extensively in a supporting capacity for local NGOs and is an avid sportsman.