WASHINGTON (November 13, 2023) – World Resources Institute (WRI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Tom Pickerell as the new Global Ocean Program Director. Starting in late November 2023, Pickerell will work with WRI’s global staff and partners to oversee and manage WRI’s Ocean Program and the Secretariat for the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy. He will be based at WRI’s office in London, United Kingdom.

Pickerell brings to the role 20 years of experience working in ocean sustainability including roles in the UK Government, industry and environmental organizations such as WWF in both the United Kingdom and United States. Most recently, he served as the Director of International Fisheries at Pew Charitable Trusts.

 “Tom has deep credibility in the ocean sector, from building strong teams to leading coalitions to driving impact. The ocean is critical to meeting our climate goals, and his thinking is exactly aligned with WRI’s system-wide approach towards building a far more equitable and sustainable ocean economy,” said Ani Dasgupta, President & CEO of World Resources Institute. “Tom’s incredible expertise and voice will be critical in helping us unlock transformative ocean solutions for people, nature and climate.”

Previously, Pickerell was the Executive Director of the Global Tuna Alliance (GTA). Through his leadership the Alliance grew from a handful of founding members in the UK to 53 across the globe covering 32% of the tuna sector and developed a comprehensive and successful five-year strategy. Over his career, he has demonstrated skills in building and leading coalitions among industry and civil society leaders to advance objectives that drive real world change.

"I am deeply honored and excited to join World Resources Institute as the Global Director of the Ocean Program,” said Tom Pickerell. “Our ocean is not only a vital part of the Earth's ecosystem but also crucial to the well-being of humanity. I am committed to working with the talented team at WRI to drive positive change and sustainable solutions for the ocean. Through innovative research, policy advocacy, and collaboration with the Ocean Panel, we will strive to build a sustainable ocean economy in a changing environment."

WRI’s Ocean Program is working to accelerate progress towards a sustainable ocean economy, with a focus on ocean-based climate action, sustainable blue food, ocean equity and finance. The Ocean Program serves as Secretariat to the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy, working directly with heads of state and an international network of experts and partners in business, intergovernmental organizations, NGOs and finance. The Program produces ground-breaking research that identifies and activates ocean-based solutions to meet urgent global challenges. And through the Ocean Watch open data platform, provides information and data visualizations to inform decision-making.

About World Resources Institute   

World Resources Institute (WRI) is a global research organization with offices in Brazil, China, Colombia, India, Indonesia, Mexico and the United States, and regional offices for Africa and Europe. Our over 1,700 staff work with partners to develop practical solutions that improve people’s lives and ensure nature can thrive. Learn more: WRI.org and on Twitter @WorldResources.