Geneva, Switzerland, January 1, 2026 – WWF International, the global conservation powerhouse, is kicking off the new year with a strategic reinforcement of its leadership.
The organization announced the appointment of two formidable women to its International Board of Trustees: Prof. Amb. Judi Wakhungu, a distinguished politician and diplomat from Kenya, and Denise Koopmans, a seasoned business leader from Switzerland.
This is a clear signal that WWF is leveraging diverse, high-level expertise to tackle the “most urgent conservation challenges and deliver impact at scale.”
Prof. Amb. Judi Wakhungu brings an impressive track record from the highest echelons of Kenyan governance and international diplomacy. As Kenya’s Former Ambassador to France, the Holy See, Portugal, Serbia, and Monaco, and previously as Minister of Environment, Water & Natural Resources from 2013 to 2018, her resume speaks volumes.
During her ministerial tenure, she spearheaded critical environmental achievements, including the enactment of landmark legislation like the Wildlife & Conservation Act 2013 and the Climate Change Act 2016. Crucially, she led the highly publicized destruction of Kenya’s ivory and rhino horn stockpiles in 2016 to curb illegal wildlife trade, and famously banned single-use plastic bags in Kenya in 2017 – moves that set a global precedent. A geologist by training, her experience spans research, teaching, and international advisory roles, including the UN Secretary General’s Scientific Advisory Board and the World Bank.
Joining her is Denise Koopmans, a highly experienced international non-executive director based in Switzerland. Her expertise lies in supporting companies through business transformation, innovation, and growth. Currently, she serves on the boards of Swiss Post, Cicor Group, Royal BAM Group, Norma Group, and Grant Thornton International, among others. Koopmans has a deep-seated passion for ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and embedding sustainability into business practices, serving on the strategic advisory board of the Boards Impact Forum.
This isn’t her first foray into conservation, as she’s a past member of the board of trustees of WWF-Netherlands, proving her commitment to the mission.
Prof. Adil Najam, WWF International President, welcomed both, noting their “expertise in global governance and international business.” He specifically highlighted Prof. Amb. Wakhungu’s “exceptional policymaker and diplomat” status and Denise Koopmans’ “wealth of experience in supporting organizations to innovate and grow in a sustainable manner.” The message is clear: WWF is drawing from both the political and corporate worlds to navigate the complex challenges facing our planet.
Both new trustees expressed their enthusiasm. Prof. Amb. Judi Wakhungu acknowledged her long engagement with WWF, sharing a mutual “passion for valuing and protecting our global biodiversity.” Denise Koopmans felt “privileged to join the Board,” eager to contribute to “building a future where people and nature thrive in a sustainable way.”
Their appointments, effective January 1, 2026, come as WWF International also extended its gratitude to retiring Trustees, Jack Clemons and Paula Kahumbu, for their valuable contributions.
The question for many remains: can the combined force of high-level political acumen and strategic business innovation truly translate into tangible, accelerated impact on the ground for conservation?
WWF International is known for its extensive network and science-based approach to protecting nature, is clearly banking on this blend of skills to steer its global strategy.
In a world grappling with climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion, such a diverse and experienced leadership team might just be what’s needed to move the needle.