15 January 2024
Former Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity Director of Fundraising Catherine Hart to joins our leadership team
We're announcing the appointment of Catherine Hart as our new Director of Development. Ms Hart brings years of fundraising expertise and experience to the role and will help steer us through our landmark 200th anniversary.
A highly regarded fundraising professional, Ms Hart has worked for globally recognised charities, including UCL, Cancer Research UK, and most recently as Director of Fundraising at Guy’s and St Thomas’ where she led on the development and delivery of the first dedicated fundraising strategy for the three charities of the Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Trust and the launch of a four-year, £70 million fundraising strategy.
In her role as Director of Development with us, Ms Hart will bring over 17 years' experience to support our conservation mission.
Ms Hart said: “I am thrilled to be joining ZSL at such a pivotal point in its journey. The work of ZSL has never been more vital. With ambitious plans on the horizon, I’m looking forward to getting started in my new role, working together with the extraordinary team at ZSL and its supporters to make a greater impact on the world's wildlife.”
Our CEO Matthew Gould said: “ZSL is an international conservation charity driven by science, committed to the restoration of wildlife in the UK and around the world. In a world where wildlife is facing huge challenges, our work, from studying baboons in Namibia to reintroducing oysters to UK waters, has never been more vital.
“It’s more important than ever that we can inspire people to support us, so that we can step up our efforts to restore nature.”
Our President Sir Jim Smith added: “We are very excited about the appointment of Catherine Hart as the next Director of Development at ZSL.
“The challenges faced by the world cannot be underestimated. We are losing biodiversity at an alarming pace. ZSL is in a unique position to make a real difference – fundraising is vital to support our scientific research and conservation, and our work connecting people with nature.”
Ms Hart takes over from interim Director of Development, Meredith Hunter.