Friday 27 June 2008

He first became involved with WWF-UK in the early 1990s. He became a trustee in 1994 and was appointed chairman in 2002 – the same year he also joined WWF International's board.

"Christopher has enhanced our work through his business expertise, his instincts and insights on our communications with the public, and above all his unwavering commitment to WWF's mission," said David Nussbaum, WWF's chief executive. "We wish him well as he steps down as chairman, and we greatly appreciate all he has done on our behalf."

Christopher Ward is chairman of Redwood, Europe's largest publishing agency, which he co founded 25 years ago after a long career in Fleet Street which included the editorship of the Daily Express. In 1997 he received the Mark Boxer Award from the British Society of Magazine Editors for lifetime services to magazine journalism.

"WWF's great strengths include our international network and our science-based approach to conservation work," said Christopher Ward. "But our ability to deliver conservation work on the ground, or to campaign successfully for changes in environmental legislation, wholly depends on how much income we raise. An effective charity today has to be run with all the financial disciplines of a successful business, as well as the passion for the cause."

Christopher Ward promoted WWF's ethical engagement with business and industry which has contributed to our partnerships with several international companies, including HSBC and Marks & Spencer. The relationships have proved a successful two-way street: besides bringing substantial new funding to WWF's conservation programme, WWF works with its partners to review environmental policies and practices to reduce their carbon footprint.

During his chairmanship, WWF's work to address growing threats to the environment has expanded – not least our programmes on climate change, sustainable consumption, deforestation and the depletion of fish stocks.

New chair
The new chair of the WWF-UK Board of Trustees is Ed Smith, who joins us from PricewaterhouseCoopers, where he was global assurance chief operating officer, chief strategist and strategy chairman. He holds a number of board-level positions in higher education and research organisations, and has a long-held personal interest in environmental issues.