Conservation charity ZSL recruits new CFO

GLOBAL conservation charity ZSL (Zoological Society of London) has appointed Timon Drakesmith as the new Chief Financial Officer. 

An international conservation charity driven by science, working to restore wildlife in the UK and around the world, ZSL is protecting critical species, restoring ecosystems, helping people and wildlife live together and inspiring support for nature.

In his new role, Timon will join the international charity’s Executive Committee, steering the organisation’s work in both the UK, at London and Whipsnade Zoos, and its science and conservation projects around the world.

Moving to ZSL from the mission-led Carbon Trust where he served as Chief Financial Officer since 2020, Timon began his career at PwC, before moving into banking with Barclays and Credit Suisse.

Timon brings a varied portfolio of experience to his new role at ZSL having worked in the property sector as Chief Financial Officer of Great Portland Estates and Hammerson, served on three boards of large, listed companies and worked for companies with activities in various locations around the world – including Asia, Africa and the US.

Timon said:

“ZSL is an organisation I deeply admire, whose work has never been more vital. It has ambitious targets to restore the planet’s wildlife, and I look forward to bringing my experience and expertise to the table to ensure it is able to do so.”

ZSL CEO Matthew Gould said:

“We are delighted to have Timon joining ZSL. Nature has never needed our work more, and with his experience in strategic and financial leadership, Timon will be a critical member of our senior team.”

Timon will start at ZSL on Monday 29 April. To find out more about the work of ZSL, please visit: www.zsl.org.