The World Wide Fund for Nature Singapore has announced the appointment of Vivek Kumar as the Chief Executive Officer, effective from January 2024.

In this role, Vivek, who joined WWF-Singapore in 2021 as the Chief of Marketing, Communications, and Fundraising, will assume responsibilities from the current CEO, R. Raghunathan, who is stepping down from the position after over three years of service.

Assuming his new role, Vivek brings over 20 years of expertise from leadership roles at Shell, WPP, Starcom, and in Singapore’s public sector. Previously, he served as an Assistant Director of the General National Trades Union Congress and a Board Member of Labour Movement entities such as NTUC Link. He also worked with Enterprise Singapore, Infocomm Media Development Authority, and Assurity Trusted Solutions (a wholly-owned subsidiary of GovTech Singapore) in the capacity of a Board Member.

Announcing the leadership transition, Hsieh Fu Hua, Chairman of the WWF-Singapore board, said, “The Board appreciates Raghu’s dedicated service to the organization. Under Raghu’s leadership, the organization navigated the challenges posed by the pandemic and achieved growth in local conservation efforts and community engagements. We are confident that the organization is poised to achieve an even greater impact under his successor, Vivek, and his team.”

Outgoing CEO Raghunathan said, “I took over as the CEO of WWF-Singapore during the Covid period. It has been a remarkable journey leading the organization to deliver highly relevant conservation work in Singapore and around the region. I am glad that WWF-Singapore is on a stronger footing today with a designated successor in place.”

Vivek added, “WWF-Singapore strives to bring people together to act for nature and our shared well-being. This purpose is more relevant for our planet today than perhaps ever before. It is an honour to be designated to lead a team of talented and dedicated fellow Pandas at WWF-Singapore. We will work with our donors, supporters, corporate partners, and policymakers to create a sustainable future for all of us.”