SAN DIEGO (June 18, 2025) — San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance proudly announces its partnership with Korn Ferry, a leading global consulting firm, to guide the search for its next chief executive officer. This collaboration underlines the Alliance’s dedication to strong, visionary leadership as it continues to advance its mission of global wildlife conservation.
Korn Ferry’s reputation for cultivating leadership solutions aligns closely with the Alliance’s goals for the future. By leveraging their skills and global network, the partnership seeks to find a leader who can champion San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's efforts in conservation and growth.
“Partnering with Korn Ferry is an exciting step in finding the next visionary leader for San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance,” says Gary Knell, board of trustees officer and chair of the search committee for San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. “Their wide ranging expertise will ensure we find a leader who upholds our values and is prepared to guide the Alliance towards an exciting future where all life thrives.”
The partnership reflects a shared belief in the importance of inspired leadership to drive meaningful change. The Alliance’s work spans notable successes in wildlife care and conservation and a commitment to connecting people with nature, anchored by two leading zoological parks and an engaged community. With the assistance of Korn Ferry in the search for leadership, the next CEO will be pivotal in advancing these initiatives and fostering new opportunities.
“San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a world-renowned institution, and this search calls for a rare combination of strategic, operational and mission-aligned leadership,” says Charlie Ingersoll, co-head of Korn Ferry's Nonprofit & Higher Education Practice. “We look forward to identifying a CEO who will steward the organization’s vital conservation mission while ensuring continued innovation and excellence, "says Alison Harrigan, Head of Korn Ferry’s Travel & Leisure practice.
Korn Ferry will conduct a broad, inclusive and global search for San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s new president and CEO, working closely with key stakeholders throughout the process to ensure alignment with the Alliance’s culture and long-term goals. For inquiries regarding the CEO search, please contact Alison Harrigan or Charlie Ingersoll at sdzwa@kornferry.com.
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About San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, a nonprofit conservation leader, inspires passion for nature and collaboration for a healthier world. The Alliance supports innovative conservation science through global partnerships and groundbreaking efforts at the world-famous San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park, both leading zoological institutions and accredited botanical gardens. Through wildlife care expertise, cutting-edge science and continued collaboration, more than 44 endangered species have been reintroduced to native habitats. The Alliance reaches over 1 billion people annually through its two conservation parks and media channels in 170 countries, including San Diego Zoo Wildlife Explorers television, available in children’s hospitals across 14 countries. Wildlife Allies—members, donors and guests—make success possible.
About Korn Ferry Korn Ferry is a global consulting firm that powers performance, bringing together strategy and talent to drive superior performance for our clients. We work with clients to design their organizational structures, roles, and responsibilities. We help them hire the right people and advise them on how to reward, develop, and motivate their workforce. And we help professionals navigate and advance their careers.
