Wildlife trust unveils new chief executive
Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust have appointed a new chief executive.
Prior to joining the trust Andrew McLaughlin spent more than a decade working at the National Trust (NT) as head of Communications
He was then general manager of leading NT property Kingston Lacy, a role that saw him oversee the management of the largest lowland heathland in the UK.
He moved to a new role as chief executive of The Student’s Union at the University of Bath in 2016, before most recently heading up the new strategy and innovation division at South Gloucestershire Council.
Having lived in the Gloucestershire area for many years, Andrew is rooted in the values of the county and the ambitions of GWT.
His experience, particularly in delivering high impact strategic plans and with a focus on collaboration complement GWT’s ambitious 2030 Strategy, which has broad aims across three key areas: stopping and reversing wildlife declines, more people taking action for nature and normalising natural solutions to climate change.
Andrew will be joining GWT in early September.
He said: “My family and I have deep connections with Gloucestershire and I’m thrilled to be joining the county’s largest membership organisation as their new chief executive. Like many people, I’ve become increasingly alarmed at the decline of nature both here in our county and across the UK and see my role as ensuring we have everything in place to make our ambitious strategy a reality, for the wildlife and people of Gloucestershire. I can’t wait to get started.”
Dr David Bullock, chair of trustees at the trust, said: “After a long and thorough selection process, we are very pleased to have appointed Andrew as our new chief executive.
“His breadth and depth of experience will enable him to lead the trust in delivering our ambitious plans with confidence and expertise. We very much look forward to working with him in this role at such a crucial time for the recovery of nature.”
The appointment as the trust moves into the second year of delivering their 20230 Strategy.
The Trust is supported by over 28,000 members, 450 volunteers and over 80 staff members that manage its conservation projects, nature reserves and engagement activities, working closely with a wide range of partner organisations across the county.
