The Marine Conservation Society (MCS), ‘the UK charity that cares for our seas, shores and wildlife, is delighted to announce the appointment of a new Chief Executive.  Sandy Luk is currently Director of Programmes at leading environmental law NGO ClientEarth. As part of the team that built the organisation, she brings vast experience of marine and fisheries issues, and a gilded record of managing a successful and high-achieving team.

MCS Chair of Trustees, Hugh Raven, said: “We’ve known Sandy for some time, as she’s worked with MCS for many years on access to environmental information, on sustainable seafood, and on protecting designated marine sites in UK waters. She is exceptionally well qualified, and impressed us consistently through a very thorough and demanding recruitment process. We are delighted she’s joining us in October, as soon as she has worked through her commitments at ClientEarth.

The board, Senior Management Team and Sandy share great ambitions for continuing growth in influence and range of activities at MCS, building on the many years of success we achieved under her distinguished predecessor, Sam Fanshawe.”

James Thornton, CEO of environmental lawyers, ClientEarth, said: “Sandy Luk’s appointment at the Marine Conservation Society is wonderful news for sustainable fisheries and marine wildlife in the UK. Sandy is a passionate and committed environmental leader whom I’ve been privileged to have worked alongside since the very early days of forming ClientEarth. While we’ll miss Sandy greatly, we look forward to working with her in her new capacity and strengthening our partnership with the Marine Conservation Society in the coming years.”

Sandy is due to start in the second half of October and said: “The ocean brings so much value to all our lives, from oxygen to food to wonderful sea life and from livelihoods to pure enjoyment. The Marine Conservation Society deeply understands this. It uses science and works with people to protect and inspire in equal measure. I feel immensely privileged, thrilled and excited to be entrusted with leading the Marine Conservation Society to achieve its vision of restoration of the sea’s rich wildlife, more plentiful fish stocks, and cleaner beaches and seawater”