The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Martín Zordan as Chief Executive Officer.

Martín Zordan, a veterinarian who graduated with the highest honours, has a diverse professional background in science and conservation culminating in his work as Executive Director of the Latin American Association of Zoos and Aquariums (ALPZA), followed by his role as the WAZA Director of Conservation, and subsequently as the Interim CEO of WAZA. Zordan has acted as WAZA Interim CEO for the past 12 months.

Theo Pagel, President of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums, said, “On behalf of the WAZA Council we are delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Martín Zordan as WAZA’s new CEO. We had an incredibly high calibre of candidates who applied for the role, but Martín Zordan emerged as the clear choice. During his time as Interim CEO of WAZA, Zordan distinguished himself through service and results and has proven to be a very effective Interim CEO and the WAZA Council is confident he will be a strong and strategic leader for the association.”

Dr Zordan, said: “We are privileged, we truly are. As progressive aquariums and zoos we can restore and create new connections between people and animals. We are able to share our passion for wildlife. It is a tremendous honor and responsibility to be at the service of this noble global community of aquariums and zoos. With a committed Executive Office and the support of the WAZA Council, we have three goals for the upcoming three years:

1. Increase our members’ conservation impact and visibility thereof at a global scale
2. Increase WAZA’s global representation
3. Represent the highest standards of animal welfare – which we aim to accomplish through the WAZA 2023 Animal Welfare Goal

WAZA’s recognised regional and national associations of aquariums and zoos are at the heart of these and other developments, and they are essential to our success.”

Zordan added, “The current pandemic has turned our world around, but we will get through this. Our community is by nature immensely collaborative and experienced in managing crisis. We know that we are all struggling as we never had to do before. Together we are adapting, becoming more globally unified, taking the opportunities that arise and getting ready to re-open. Our role in society at this time is clear, we need to help others recognise how strongly we are interconnected with nature, so that as societies we can act for species conservation and be safe through a One-Health approach.”

Zordan takes over as WAZA CEO with immediate effect.