Posted on July, 06 2018

Ester Asin Martinez will be taking up the position of Director for WWF’s European Policy Office on 1 October 2018.

A lawyer and political scientist, Ester is currently the Director and EU representative of Save the Children’s Brussels Office, where for the last five years she has developed and lead the NGO’s advocacy with EU institutions and represented the organisation in European fora and civil society networks. Prior to that, Ester acted as EU Representative for CARE International, and as Policy Manager at CONCORD, the European NGO Confederation for Relief and Development.

Ester holds degrees in Spanish and European law and an M.A. in European Studies from the College of Europe. She is a Spanish national, and has lived in Brussels for more than 15 years.

“I am excited and honoured to join WWF at a moment when, more than ever, action is needed to ensure the EU remains a global leader on conservation, environmental protection and climate action. I look forward to working with the WWF network and other civil society organisations to achieve a truly sustainable future for the planet and people,” she said.

“We are delighted to welcome Ester to this important position,” said Antoine Lebrun, Chairman of the WWF European CEO Forum. “EU legislation is critical for the continent’s environmental and climate protection, and it is key for WWF to have a strong presence in Brussels. Ester has an excellent track record of successful political advocacy at EU level, and I am confident that she will be a real asset to our organisation. Let me also take this opportunity to thank Andrea Kohl for successfully leading the EPO ad interim for the past 10 months.”

The outgoing acting Director Dr. Andrea Kohl, who has been EPO’s Programme and Deputy Director since 2006, will be leaving Brussels at the end of this year. “After more than 12 years with EPO, I am thankful for the many experiences and wonderful colleagues that made this a fulfilling time. Caring deeply about the future of the European Policy Office, I am glad to pass the organisation to Ester’s experienced hands,” she said.