02 March 2026

Press Release

For immediate release

WWF-UK appoints John Flint CBE as new Chair of the Board of Trustees 

WWF-UK today announced the appointment of John Flint CBE as the new Chair of its Board of Trustees, following a comprehensive recruitment process. 

John is the former Chief Executive of the UK’s Infrastructure Bank (UKIB). which he led from 2021, responsible for setting up the UKIB to support the government’s ambitious growth and clean energy agenda.   

Most recently John worked transforming UKIB into the National Wealth Fund which is responsible for investing public money in transformational projects across the UK including initiatives that support the transition to net zero.  

Prior to his role in the public sector John was Chief Executive of the HSBC Group. During his 30-year career with the bank, John worked across wholesale banking, retail banking and treasury, and represented HSBC in nine countries with much of his career spent in Asia. 

John will formally take up the role on the 26 March 2026, succeeding Sir Dave Lewis, who has served as Chair since 2020.   With extensive leadership experience spanning business, sustainability and organisational transformation, John Flint brings a strong commitment to tackling the biggest drivers of nature loss — from deforestation to climate change, food systems and the health of UK nature. Their appointment comes at a pivotal moment, as WWF-UK accelerates efforts to secure a nature-positive future at home and globally. 

Tanya Steele, Chief Executive of WWF-UK, said:  “I am delighted to welcome John Flint as our incoming Chair. His leadership experience, strong understanding of the environmental challenges we face and the world in which we operate make him an exceptional choice to guide WWF-UK through the next stage of our strategy. 

“We are enormously grateful to Sir Dave Lewis for his six years of service and the passion and skill he has brought to the role.” 

John Flint CBE, Chair-designate of WWF-UK, said:  “WWF has long been a leading voice for nature and climate action. I am honoured to take on the role of Chair and to work with the Board, Tanya and the highly skilled and committed teams across the organisation.  

“The challenges we face are urgent, but I believe deeply in our ability to drive change — from global policy to local conservation — and to help secure a future where people and nature thrive together.” 

WWF-UK is part of the world’s largest independent conservation organisation, working to restore nature, tackle climate change and empower communities. The Chair role is a voluntary position. 