WWF-UK has appointed Tanya Steele as its new chief executive.

Steele joins from Save the Children where she has been interim UK chief executive since February. Previously she was executive director for marketing, fundraising and communications, where she grew income and support leading award winning campaigns, partnerships, and new commercial ventures.

Before joining Save the Children, Steele spent over a decade working in product development, marketing and communications in the technology sector, holding senior roles at Siemens and BT.

Steele said it is a great privilege to join WWF-UK as chief executive, and she looks forward to working alongside its staff and supporters.

“WWF has an urgent and truly global mission for a planet where people and nature can thrive in harmony. Now more than ever, with huge pressures on habitats and more species facing extinction, WWF needs to play an integral role in enabling long term change towards sustainable living; and the need for nature – on which we all depend – must be front and centre of our efforts.”

WWF-UK chair Sir Andrew Cahn said Steele has the enthusiasm, energy, commitment, and leadership and managerial skills to take the organisation forward.

“Finding ways for people and the planet to live together in harmony is the biggest challenge of all. I welcome Tanya to the WWF family both in the UK and in our global network.”

Steele assumes the role from 1 January, taking over from David Nussbaum. Nussbaum leaves on 30 September to join peace and human rights organisation The Elders as chief executive.

WWF-UK executive director of global programmes Glyn Davies will act as interim CEO until Steele joins.

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