Save the Rhino International has announced the appointment of Dr Jo Shaw as its next chief executive.
Shaw joins from WWF South Africa, where she was senior manager of the wildlife programme and Africa rhino lead for over five years. Before that, she was rhino programme manager for five years.
Formerly, she worked for TRAFFIC on large mammal trade, was a black rhino ecologist at Frankfurt Zoological Society, and began her career as a projects manager at Save the Rhino International for two years between 1998 – 2000.
She has a PhD in Animal Ecology from the University of Witwatersrand and her thesis was on the reintroduction of the black rhinoceros population.
On her appointment, she said: “I am incredibly excited to be joining the Save the Rhino team. I began my conservation career initially as a volunteer with the charity more than 20 years ago. It now feels like I am going full circle, returning to a new challenge with an organisation I admire and know well.
“I am looking forward to starting with the team later this year and working alongside Save the Rhino’s partners around the world to enhance African and Asian rhino conservation.”
Current CEO steps down after 22 years
Save the Rhino International's chief executive since 2001, Cathy Dean, will be stepping down in July after leading the organisation for 22 years.
She will remain at the charity but in a part-time capacity in a new role that focuses on continuity and change.
On Shaw's appointment, Dean said: “Having worked alongside Jo in various projects over the last two decades, I know she will be a great CEO for Save the Rhino. Her extensive knowledge of the complex issues within rhino conservation is clear, and I am delighted to be handing over the reins to such an experienced and talented colleague.”
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