ASU Center for Biodiversity Outcomes and Conservation International (CI) Distinguished Professor of Practice, M. Sanjayan, was named new CI Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The new CI executive team was announced in May 4, 2017 and it will become effective July 1, 2017.

“It is both a privilege and deeply humbling to step into the role of chief executive officer,” said Sanjayan. “Peter Seligmann’s founding vision, that people need nature to thrive, created a global movement that has helped change the trajectory of our planet. I’m honored to partner with Jennifer Morris, our new president, Sebastian Troëng, our new executive vice president, and all of CI’s talented staff on the journey ahead.”

Prior to his new role, Sanjayan has served CI as Executive Vice President and Senior Scientist, leading a variety of divisions from scientific and ocean conservation projects to brand, communications and strategic planning.

In September, 2016, ASU and CI teamed up to advance a series of biodiversity conservation projects, including onboarding six of CI’s scientists as ASU Professors of Practice.

The CBO team congratulates Sanjayan for his new role as CI’s CEO and looks forward to many great collaborations to come!