Save the Rhino International’s Board of Trustees is pleased to announce that Dr Jo Shaw has been appointed as the charity’s new CEO. Jo will take up the role of CEO at Save the Rhino on 3 July 2023, taking over from Cathy Dean, who has led the organisation since 2001. Cathy is transitioning into a new role at Save the Rhino and will work with Jo and the rest of the team as they strive to realise the organisation’s vision of all five rhino species thriving in the wild.
Jo has worked in wildlife conservation for 25 years, most recently in her roles as African Rhino Lead for WWF International, and Senior Manager: Wildlife Portfolio, for WWF South Africa. She has an extensive knowledge of rhinos and the illegal wildlife trade, evidenced by her postgraduate research on black rhino ecology, her development of innovative solutions to address wildlife trafficking and by her co-authorship of a comprehensive TRAFFIC report on the illegal trade in rhino horn between Viet Nam and South Africa. Jo’s leadership experience and expertise in science-based conservation policy, fundraising and communications provide an excellent foundation as she steps into the role as CEO at Save the Rhino.
Jo Shaw, said,
“I am incredibly excited to be joining the Save the Rhino team. I began my conservation career initially as a volunteer with the charity more than 20 years ago. It now feels like I am going full circle, returning to a new challenge with an organisation I admire and know well. I am looking forward to starting with the team later this year and working alongside Save the Rhino’s partners around the world to enhance African and Asian rhino conservation.”
Cathy Dean, current CEO of Save the Rhino, said,
“Having worked alongside Jo in various projects over the last two decades, I know she will be a great CEO for Save the Rhino. Her extensive knowledge of the complex issues within rhino conservation is clear, and I am delighted to be handing over the reins to such an experienced and talented colleague.”
George Stephenson, Chair of Save the Rhino’s Board of Trustees, said,
“We’re thrilled to welcome Jo as Save the Rhino International’s new CEO. Jo’s significant expertise in rhino conservation, and her leadership and collaboration across international conservation projects, make her the ideal individual to step into this role at a crucial time for rhinos. We are looking forward to supporting Jo as she leads the team and begins a new chapter for Save the Rhino.”
For further media enquiries please contact Emma Pereira: press@savetherhino.org