Posted on November, 22 2021

GLAND, Switzerland: Monday 22 November 2021: WWF International today announced that it will shortly commence an international search for a new WWF International President, following a decision by the current President, Pavan Sukhdev, not to seek a second term in the role.

At its winter meeting which concluded today, Mr Sukhdev informed the Board of his intention to step down at the end of his four-year term on 31 December 2021, owing to increasing professional demands from the expansion of his private firm.

In line with the statutes of the WWF International Board, current Vice President Valentin von Massow will assume the duties of the Presidency from 1 January 2022 until the global search appoints the next permanent President.

Mr von Massow is presently the Chair of the Board of WWF-Germany. He will continue in this role while acting as interim President for WWF International.

Mr von Massow said: “Under Pavan’s presidency, the WWF Network has driven the importance of nature much higher on the global agenda, and is working hard with communities and partners to help ensure we build a nature-positive world by 2030. WWF is making strong progress in its work with Indigenous peoples and local communities as we seek to achieve the highest standard of human rights in all our work, and Pavan personally oversaw the appointment of the new Ombudsperson, which is an important first for the sector. I am honoured to speak on the Board’s behalf to say that we are grateful for Pavan’s contribution and we will continue his push for positive impact on nature and people.”

Mr Sukhdev said: “It has been a great privilege and honour to lead WWF International as its President and Board Chair over the last four years. I have enjoyed the opportunity to work with our communities of practice and our teams working in nearly 100 countries, across all the challenging and diverse domains we work in, including climate change, food systems, ocean governance and freshwater systems. I remain one of WWF’s great supporters and look forward to celebrating the continuation of its critical work as we drive to build a nature-positive world by 2030.”

A sub-committee of the Board has been appointed to lead the international search for candidates in partnership with an external agency.

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