Today, San Diego Zoo Global announced the appointment of David Franco as Chief Financial Officer for the well-known non-profit wildlife conservation organization. David joins San Diego Zoo Global with a broad and rich history of experiences leading financial strategies for premiere brands and global organizations, including most recently as CFO of Vulcan, Inc, the late Paul Allen’s globally minded organization which included financial leadership of investment management, real estate development, museums and philanthropic initiatives, including wildlife conservation efforts. David played a large part in supporting Vulcan’s role as a business that places a high value on efforts that work for good and consider the overall balance of ecosystems and wildlife. This experience makes him well suited to support San Diego Zoo Global into its future as a leading international conservation organization.
“David Franco is a strong financial executive with a proven CFO track record leading his past organization’s finances with both head and heart.” said Paul A. Baribault, president/CEO of San Diego Zoo Global. “As our organization evolves to meet the changing needs of wildlife around the world, and the changing needs of guests at the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, David has the right background, strategic mindset, business acumen, and big picture thinking to help our teams be even more effective at driving better outcomes for wildlife.”
Prior to Vulcan, David spent 10 years working in the cruise industry supporting Princess Cruises, Holland America Line and Seabourn in several roles, including 2 years as their CFO. He also spent 7 years at The Walt Disney Company in a corporate role supporting merger & acquisition activities, material transaction review, developing accounting policies, and also worked in their consumer products division.
As a leader in wildlife conservation, the work of San Diego Zoo Global includes on-site wildlife conservation efforts (representing both plants and animals) at the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research, as well as international field programs on six continents. The work of these entities is made accessible to over 1 billion people annually, reaching 150 countries via social media, our websites and the San Diego Zoo Kids network, in children’s hospitals in 12 countries. The work of San Diego Zoo Global is made possible with support from our incredible donors committed to saving species from the brink of extinction.
