World Land Trust Announces New Chief Executive Officer

The World Land Trust (WLT) has appointed a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), after WLT founder John Burton announced he was stepping down earlier this year. The WLT has announced renowned conservationist Dr Debbie Pain will take over the role in July. Debbie Pain has an extensive knowledge and wealth of experience in habitat protection, species conservation, campaigning and research.

Debbie is coming to WLT after 9 years at the Wildfowl and Wetland Trust (WWT), a charity that works internationally specialising in wetland conservation with projects to protect, restore and create wetlands for wildlife and people around the world.

Earlier this year, WLT founder John Burton declared his stepping down as CEO in a blog post which looked back on WLT’s conservation successes of the past 25 years. He will remain involved with WLT and is looking forward to supporting the progress to be made in the future under Debbie’s direction.

John will continue to work for WLT, but in a part-time capacity. His main role will be working with Debbie on the various partnerships that WLT has formed over the years with overseas conservation organisations, corporate supporters and press.

Debbie and John were both featured as influential conservation heroes in the Wildlife Power List published by the BBC Wildlife Magazine, alongside WLT patrons David Attenborough, Steve Backshall and Chris Packham.