The team

WDC has around 80 staff worldwide working in 6 locations.

They are led by a team of directors overseen by volunteer trustees who are responsible for ensuring we meet our charitable obligations.

Executive Directors

International and UK CEO: Chris Butler-Stroud
Director of Strategic Development: Chris Vick
Director of Finance: Jane Bryan
Director of Fundraising: Helen Mitchell
Director of Marketing and Communications: Ed Fox
Director of Policy: Vanesa Tossenberger
Director of Human Resources: Sian Davies-Hamilton
Executive Director North America: Regina Asmutis-Silvia
Executive Director Germany: Franziska Walter
Executive Director Australia: Declan Andrews

Pink dolphin - Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin

WDC staff have a wide range of skills, working in closely-knit teams across the organisation from policy to communications, fundraising to supporter relations and finance. In addition to this, we are supported by a wonderful group of volunteers kindly offering their time to help our cause.

Trustees

Lisa Drewe (Chair - joined 2016)

Lisa's career began as a scientist researching toxins in the environment. She held senior positions in the MoD and the FCO developing future technology and organisational strategies. In 2006 she joined the National Trust to lead the development of its first national strategy. She went on to lead their Business Sustainability function and led several high profile change programmes. She also is a Trustee for the Jurassic Coast Trust.

John Gerard Leigh (joined 1995)

John has extensive stockbroking experience in the City of London. In 1980 he moved to Bristol and became a partner in Laws & Co. In 1994 he became the Senior Director of Laws and a Main Board Director of Allied Provincial Securities, its parent company. John now concentrates on managing portfolios for both private clients and a number of major charities in Bristol.

Percy Kelland (joined 2001)

Percy is a chartered accountant with over 30 years experience of advising privately owned businesses. He worked for over 20 years for KPMG; then for six years as the right hand man to a business angel followed by eight years as the founder and Managing Director of a business specialising in helping privately owned businesses succeed. He grew up on a farm on Exmoor and has had a lifelong interest in wildlife and the environment.

Phil Smith (joined 2013)

Phil is a successful and highly experienced Senior Executive with extensive experience across a range of retail financial services products and commercial lending. He currently has responsibility for Nationwide's current account portfolio, but has extensive experience in product marketing, customer management, third party relationship management, commercial negotiation, sales development and commercial underwriting.

Johnny Reed (joined 1997)

Johnny has been involved in international banking and corporate finance since the 1970s and has worked for two major merchant banks in London, New York and Shanghai. He set up his own advisory business in 1998 and continues to advise UK companies on financial and strategic matters.