Tanya Steele has been appointed the new chief executive of WWF-UK, taking over from the departing David Nussbaum.

Steele will take over the role from 1 January 2017, with executive director of global programmes Glyn Davies stepping up in the meantime.

Nussbaum will leave on 30 September to become chief executive of the peace and human rights organisation The Elders. 

‘Culture of innovation’

Steele is currently interim chief executive at Save the Children, having previously been executive director for marketing, fundraising and communications. 

She has been at the organisation since 2004, during which time she established fundraising as an organisation-wide imperative and integrated the marketing, fundraising and communications functions. 

She also focused on introducing a culture of innovation in fundraising to encourage new product launches and partnerships, and significantly grew the organisation’s income.

Before joining Save the Children, she spent over a decade working in product development, marketing and communications at technology companies such as Siemens and BT.

Enthusiasm and energy

Sir Andrew Cahn, chair of WWF-UK, said he was delighted with Steele’s appointment. 

“She has the enthusiasm, the energy and the commitment, as well as the very strong leadership and managerial skills, which we need for the next stage in our journey. 

“Finding ways for people and the planet to live together in harmony is the biggest challenge of all.”

Steele added: “It’s a great privilege to join WWF-UK as its chief executive and I look forward to working alongside its hugely expert and committed staff and it’s incredibly loyal supporters. 

“Now more than ever, with huge pressures on habitats and more species facing extinction, WWF needs to play an integral role in enabling long-term change towards sustainable living; and the need for nature – on which we all depend – must be front and centre of our efforts.”