WWF International has appointed Melanie Ryan, current Head of Programme, as Director of the Luc Hoffmann Institute, effective 15 March 2021.
Melanie will remain based in the UK, from where she will lead the institute’s international team in developing its innovation and funding strategy as an incubator of ideas that accelerate the nature conservation sector’s efforts.
A seasoned sustainability and environmental leader, Melanie has been a part of the Luc Hoffmann Institute since 2015, gaining experience as a facilitative, inclusive leader heading the institute’s overall programme and prior to that, its capacity development and fellows programme. She has over 15 years of experience in areas including not-for-profit organisations, government, research and the private sector, and has led teams spanning diverse geographies. She is versed in empowering societal systems change for the benefit of nature conservation and sustainability in ways that incorporate inclusivity, diversity and innovation.
“I am proud that we have been able to fill this role internally,” said Jon Hutton, WWF’s Global Conservation Director and former Director of the Luc Hoffmann Institute. “Melanie has shown passion, perseverance and commitment to the empowerment of others throughout the years I have worked with her at the institute. I am confident that her skills will enable the institute to further differentiate its thought leadership and incubation capabilities for nature and people to flourish.”
Catherine Power, Director of Strategy and Partnerships at WWF, added: “We are thrilled to have a talent like Melanie to head the Luc Hoffmann Institute team. The WWF International recruitment panel was deeply impressed by the vision Melanie shared, by the approach she has articulated for guiding the institute's transition and future, and by the creativity and enthusiasm she brings to considering the complex conservation challenges we must address in the coming years.”
