Stephen Watson (below at the Tusk Conservation Awards) joined the Board in 1998 when Tusk was still relatively young. Since then he has helped guide the charity through a remarkable period of growth and development.
Charlie Mayhew MBE, Chief Executive of Tusk, said: “We owe Stephen a great debt of gratitude for his incredible commitment and length of service which he has so generously given. As Chairman he has been a constant source of support and sage advice to me. I am delighted that he will remain closely involved as an ambassador going forward.”
Also retiring from the Board is Tim Jackson, who has been instrumental in introducing and securing key donors to Tusk since 2009, and whose energy and enthusiasm for the charity has been extraordinary.
Taking over as Chairman is Alexander Rhodes (above), who has been on the Board since 2015. As Head of Purpose at Mishcon de Reya, Alex provides strategic Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) advice and purpose-driven insight to help clients navigate the opportunities and risks presented by a rapidly changing world. Alex was the founding CEO of the charity Stop Ivory, and was the Head of the Secretariat to the inter-governmental Elephant Protection Initiative. As well as his legal expertise, Tusk benefits from his understanding of the full spectrum of conservation work, from the field project level, to that of international policy, which he now brings to leading the organisation.