Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) today announced Nick Butcher's appointment as Chair of its Board of Directors and the retirement from the Board of biodiversity champions, Ross Ledger and Ross Grant.
Butcher, an experienced investment banker, held senior management positions over a 25 year career with Macquarie Group in its Sydney, London and New York offices. In his new role, Butcher will be a guiding force for AWC as it continues to deliver effective conservation at scale across Australia.
Australian Wildlife Conservancy Chief Executive, Tim Allard, welcomed the new Chair and paid tribute to the "two Ross'" for their significant contribution to protecting Australia's wildlife.
Brad Leue/AWC "Australia's unique biodiversity remains under threat, and it is vital that we scale up our conservation efforts. We look forward to Nick's stewardship as we deliver our mission of the effective conservation of all Australian animal species and the habitats in which they live," Allard said.
Butcher, a long-time conservationist, is passionate about the need to protect and restore our natural environment at scale and to reverse the loss of our biodiversity.
"The need to protect and restore our wildlife and landscapes is urgent and requires collaborative and creative solutions to rapidly expand the landscapes and animals that are protected," Butcher said. "I'm excited by the opportunity to evolve and broaden AWC's conservation model, and our focus on actions and outcomes is critical in addressing the biodiversity crisis. We need a healthy planet with thriving biodiversity to thrive ourselves."
Brad Leue/AWC Retiring AWC Board Member, Ross Ledger, is a life member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants ANZ and has played a critical role in AWC since advising its founder, Martin Copley, on the development of a new charitable model for conservation in Australia over 30 years ago.
AWC CEO, Tim Allard, praised Ross Ledger saying he "is an Australian conservation hero who has been tirelessly committed to growing the footprint for species protection in this county. His wisdom, kindness and guidance are recognised by all of us at AWC.
"We are hugely indebted to Ross for helping get us started and ensuring we have had lots of successes and fun along the way."
Brad Leue/AWC Tribute has also been paid to retiring long-term Director, Ross Grant, who began with AWC in 2005 at the onset of its remarkable transformation from a humble not-for-profit managing largely WA properties, to the national organisation it is today.
"Ross Grant was critical to AWC's successful transition to a national organisation and global leader, and his commitment and generosity has been greatly appreciated," Allard said.
"We are particularly grateful for Ross' help in establishing our East Coast presence and providing valuable Sydney office space. We are fortunate that the Grant Samuel connection continues with the recent appointment of its Co-CEO, Guy Fergusson, to our Board," Allard said.
Graeme Morgan will be relinquishing his position as Chair, a role that he has held since 2014, to Nick Butcher but will remain on the Board of Directors.
"I am personally very grateful to Graeme for all the support and guidance he has provided to both myself and to the organisation in his position as Chair," Allard said. "We are fortunate to have continuing access to his insights, laser-like focus and grace in his ongoing Board member position."
