Education
EPI Foundation CEO John Scanlon steps down after six years – EnviroNews
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The Elephant Protection Initiative (EPI) Foundation has announced the departure of its Chief Executive Officer, John Scanlon AO, after more than six years of leadership, with longstanding Director of Programmes, Ruth Musgrave, appointed interim CEO.
The foundation announced Scanlon’s departure in a statement expressing gratitude for his contributions to elephant conservation and the organisation’s growth during his tenure.
The EPI Foundation serves as the secretariat of the Elephant Protection Initiative, an alliance of African countries with common policies on elephant conservation, launched in 2014.
Under Scanlon’s leadership, the foundation strengthened its partnership with member states’ wildlife departments, particularly in efforts to improve the security of ivory and other wildlife-product stockpiles and prevent their diversion into illegal trade.
The foundation also expanded its work to address human-elephant conflict in response to requests from member states, recognising the growing challenge of promoting elephant conservation while protecting the livelihoods and safety of communities living alongside the animals.
Other achievements during his tenure included expanding EPI membership across Africa, establishing new partnerships with the resources sector, attracting additional funders and launching the EPI Youth Ambassadors’ programme.
The Chairperson of the EPI Foundation’s Board, Sharon Ikeazor, commended Scanlon’s leadership, highlighting his diplomacy and commitment to placing the priorities of member states at the centre of the organisation’s work.
“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,” Ikeazor said.
She added that the foundation’s continued financial and institutional stability, despite a challenging international environment, reflected Scanlon’s enterprise and standing in the global conservation community.
Scanlon described his time at the foundation as a privilege, noting that its approach to conservation was distinguished by its emphasis on the interests and priorities of African member states.
“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,” he said.
Although he is leaving the position to pursue a new challenge, Scanlon said his commitment to elephant conservation and relationships with colleagues across the initiative would remain strong.
“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,” he added.
Musgrave, who has served as the foundation’s Director of Programmes for several years, will assume the role of interim CEO.
Ikeazor expressed confidence in the interim chief executive, citing her expertise, dedication and extensive network of contacts within the wildlife departments of African member states.
“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,” she said.
The leadership transition comes as African countries continue efforts to strengthen elephant conservation, combat illegal wildlife trade and address human-elephant conflict.
Through its partnerships with governments and other stakeholders, the EPI Foundation works to support conservation policies that protect elephant populations while recognising the needs and livelihoods of communities that share their habitats.
Scanlon’s departure marks the end of a six-year period of leadership during which the foundation expanded its membership, diversified its partnerships and broadened its conservation priorities, with Musgrave expected to maintain continuity as the organisation moves into its next phase.
