EPI Foundation Announces Leadership Transition, Building on 12 Years of Elephant Conservation
The Elephant Protection Initiative (EPI) Foundation announces the departure of its CEO, John Scanlon AO, after more than six successful years in the position and expresses its deep gratitude for his service. The EPI Foundation is the secretariat of the EPI, an alliance of African countries with common policies on elephant conservation which was launched in 2014.
Under John Scanlon’s leadership, the EPI Foundation strengthened its unique position as a trusted partner to member states’ wildlife departments, working with them to improve the security of ivory and other wildlife stockpiles, thereby keeping these products away from the illegal trade. In response to the demand of member states, John also led the EPI Foundation into a critical new area of responsibility: managing the growing challenge of human-elephant conflict. Under John’s leadership, the Foundation also achieved a significant expansion of EPI membership across the African continent, opened new doors with the resources sector, brought in new funders, and launched the EPI Youth Ambassadors’ programme.
The Honourable Sharon Ikeazor CON, chairperson of the board of the EPI Foundation said, ‘John has led the EPI Foundation with energy, diplomacy and flair, always prioritising the wishes of member states in their ambition to conserve their magnificent elephant populations but also improve the livelihoods of their people. We are particularly encouraged that despite the challenging international situation, he leaves the Foundation in a secure position, testimony to his enterprise and reputation on the international conservation scene’. John said ‘It has been a great honour and a privilege to lead the EPI Foundation over the past six years. It is a unique organisation, one that puts the interests of its member states at the centre of its efforts to advance elephant protection and harmonious co-existence. The time has come to move on to a new challenge, but my links with inspiring colleagues at the EPI, and my commitment to elephant conservation, will remain as strong as ever.’
Ruth Musgrave, the EPI Foundation’s longstanding director of programmes, takes over as interim CEO. Sharon said, ‘Ruth’s dedication, expertise and unparalleled range of contacts in African member states’ wildlife departments speaks for itself, and we are excited at the opportunities and potential for the EPI and the EPI Foundation in the months and years to come.’
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