The Interim CEO who stepped up at Durrell in the wake of her predecessor's abrupt departure last year has been appointed to fill the role permanently – beating competition from "world-class candidates".
Rebecca Brewer joined Durrell in 2019 as Director of Finance and took over from Lesley Dickie on an interim basis in December last year.
Durrell opened the recruitment process for a new CEO in July, after months of turmoil in the organisation.
Chair of the Board of Trustees, Matthew Hatchwell, said Ms Brewer was up against "an excellent field of candidates". An independent recruitment company and partners advertised the position and organised an initial screening along with first-round interviews, he said.
The governance committee interviewed a long list of candidates and the full board interviewed a shortlist. Trustees decided unanimously to pick Ms Brewer.
"Her commitment and clarity of purpose stood out: ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Trust and continuing to grow its global impact on species, ecosystems and communities.
"The Board is especially looking forward to working with Rebecca and her leadership team over the next 12 months to shape Durrell’s new strategy."
Speaking to Express, Mr Hatchwell added that only "an absolutely extraordinary candidate" could have done better.
"It was a very rigorous process. It was by no means: 'Becky gets it because she's already in that role.' She competed with world-class candidates."
Still, he stressed that she had done "a great job" as an interim, working with leadership and improving communications, both on-site at Jersey Zoo and around the world.
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