WCMC, the Cambridge-based charity, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ashley Highfield as Chair of its Board of Trustees, who will formally take up the role in September. In collaboration with UNEP at the UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre, the charity works to promote the conservation, protection, enhancement and support of nature and natural resources worldwide.

Ashley brings extensive leadership experience across technology, media and purpose-driven organizations, alongside a strong commitment to nature and conservation. He will work closely as Chair-elect with the current Chair and Board over the coming months before formally taking up the role in September.

Ashley began his career as a management consultant in the technology, media and telecommunications sector before joining the BBC. There, he became the youngest ever member of the Executive Board as Director of New Media & Technology. During his time at the BBC, he played a central role in the development and launch of BBC iPlayer & BBC.co.uk and was responsible for the BBC’s Technology, R&D, and Archives portfolios, helping to shape the organization’s early digital transformation.

He subsequently served as Managing Director of Microsoft’s Consumer and Online business in the UK overseeing products including MSN, Windows, and Hotmail during a period of rapid growth in mobile and online services.

Ashley later moved to the UK’s largest regional press business as Chief Executive, where he led a significant turnaround including overseeing the acquisition and growth of the i newspaper.

Alongside his executive career, Ashley has held a number of non-executive roles. He served for seven years on the board of the British Film Institute and chaired the News Media Association following the Leveson Inquiry. Most recently, he served as Non-executive director and Chair of the Eden Project Ltd., where he gained experience of UK charity governance and helped guide the organization through a period of operational and financial opportunities and challenges. He worked with the team to help extend the Eden model beyond Cornwall, advancing projects such as Eden Project North, and supported the repositioning of Eden as a global sustainability platform, increasing its relevance to major issues such as climate change, the economy and systems thinking.

He has also been a Non-Executive Director of British Marine (Federation) and now advises the organization, supporting its sustainability and training agenda across the marine sector.

Ashley brings particular operational strengths, including in the use of technology, data and analytics to support organizational performance and impact, with a focus on applying artificial intelligence and geospatial technologies to environmental decision-making.

He has developed a strong and sustained focus on biodiversity and conservation through his work with the Eden Project Ltd. & British Marine, as well as through personal advisory roles and investments in sustainable business.

Ashley will take up the role of Chair following a period of transition with the current Chair, Robin Bidwell.