John is a seasoned leader in the fields of environment and sustainable development. He has served in senior positions in the private sector, with government, international organizations, the United Nations, and not-for-profit organizations and initiatives. This includes working for IUCN (Bonn), UNEP (Nairobi) and as Secretary-General of CITES (Geneva). John started his career in private legal practice in Australia, after which he served as an advisor to State and Federal Ministers, Chief Executive of a government agency, and Commissioner under a water sharing agreement. He was African Parks first Special Envoy, and is currently CEO of the Elephant Protection Initiative Foundation, Chair of the Global Initiative to End Wildlife Crime, Chair of the UK Government’s Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund and a Trustee for the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew. He holds a Bachelor of Laws, and Master of Laws (Environmental). In 2019, John was awarded the prestigious Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to wildlife conservation and protection through roles with international organizations.