Leaders

As a non-profit, supporter-based organisation, WWF-Australia owes a great debt to its generous supporters and partners. We recognise that people and relationships are at the heart of environmental change.

In return for the confidence and trust you place in us, we aim to be open and transparent in all our activities. Our leadership is designed to ensure that ethical, evidence-based decisions are made at all levels of operation. 

WWF is governed by a Board of Directors and has a membership of up to 100 Governors. Our Executive Team and close to 100 hard-working staff throughout the country manage our conservation programs, field work, fundraising, international development and administration.

Integrity and consistency are hallmarks of WWF's work. Our Code of Ethical Conduct sets out standards of behaviour and describes the decision-making processes that are expected of all WWF-Australia Board members, staff members, volunteers and interns. With WWF, you can expect us to walk the talk.

WWF-Australia’s Patron, the Governor-General, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) supports the organisation and feels passionately about our cause.

Every day I lead a dedicated WWF team who work with scientists, government, industry, business, communities and other partners – all with the same vision … to protect the places, people and animals we all love.

WWF's Executive Team is an impressive amalgam of global conservation experience, industry expertise, and respect for communities and staff.

 

Chief Executive Officer Dermot O’Gorman heads the Executive Team and provides leadership across the entire organisation. He is accountable to the Board of Directors for strategic planning and all performance and operational matters.

Each year the Board formally evaluates the CEO's performance.

 

Other members of the Executive Team lead and manage their distinct areas, recommending strategic direction that is detailed in the annual WWF Business Plan and approved by the Board of Directors. Twice each year the CEO assesses the performance of the Executive Team.

WWF-Australia is governed by a Board of Directors with a demonstrated commitment to nature conservation. The Board shapes our strategic direction and policy, oversees performance and compliance, and promises effective governance and leadership on behalf of Governors and supporters.

 

It also ensures that we comply with corporation laws and the requirements of the Australian Securities and Investment Commission.

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WWF-Australia has up to 100 Governors, who are considered the voting members of WWF-Australia. They are appointed because of their standing in the community, their commitment to WWF’s mission, and their ability to contribute to the success of our programs in Australia and the Oceania region. Our Governors act as our champions.

 

They bring a range of skills, influence and expertise from backgrounds in science and research, business, public relations, marketing, international development, law and governance. Many Governors also contribute to internal working groups and provide valuable strategic advice across the organisation. Our Governors are initially appointed for a four-year term, which can be renewed.

 

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WWF-Australia always strives to act with integrity, to behave ethically and to work effectively under legal regulations and agreements.

 

We have strict governance structures and policies in place to ensure the organisation is open and accountable. One example is to produce our Annual and Sustainability reports, which include full financials.

WWF-Australia has carefully designed policies to make sure that strategic, operational, legal, reputational and financial risks are identified. These policies assess, manage and monitor those risks.

 

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