The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy has announced the appointment of Rob Macaire as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective June 1, 2026. Macaire, a former British High Commissioner to Kenya, brings a blend of high-level diplomacy and private-sector executive experience to one of Africa’s most prominent conservation institutions.
Transition of Leadership
Macaire will succeed Mike Watson, who is set to retire on August 1, 2026, after 15 years at the helm. Watson is widely credited with significantly expanding Lewa’s donor base and strengthening regional partnerships during his tenure. The two-month overlap between June and August is expected to facilitate a seamless transition of leadership at the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The search for a new leader began in October 2025. While the Lewa Board initially focused on candidates with strictly conservation backgrounds, the criteria were later expanded to include leaders with robust business acumen and extensive international networks. The board emphasized that while seeking global expertise, they remained committed to identifying talent with a deep connection to Kenyan heritage.
Diplomatic and Private Sector Background
Rob Macaire is a familiar figure in Kenya’s public sphere, having served as the British High Commissioner in Nairobi from 2008 to 2011. During his diplomatic posting, he was a vocal advocate for Kenya’s constitutional reforms and played a pivotal role in the restoration of Karura Forest, a project that successfully integrated environmental conservation with community interests.
An Oxford graduate, Macaire’s two-decade career with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) included high-profile postings in Washington, New Delhi, Bucharest, and Tehran. Following his diplomatic service, he transitioned to the private sector, holding senior roles at BG Group PLC, Rio Tinto, and other multinational firms. His corporate expertise focuses on environmental governance, political risk, and social investment—skills the board deems essential for the modern conservation landscape.
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Strategic Priorities for Lewa
Under Macaire’s leadership, the conservancy has outlined a clear strategic roadmap for its next chapter. According to Lewa Wildlife Conservancy Board Chairman Michael Joseph, the organization is entering an era that requires a leader capable of engaging both global boardrooms and local communities.
The new CEO will oversee three primary strategic priorities:
- Financial Sustainability: Securing a long-term financial endowment to ensure the conservancy’s future operations.
- Community Agency: Deepening the role of local communities as primary decision-makers and custodians of conservation.
- Operational Excellence: Strengthening Lewa’s position as a global leader in field operations and wildlife protection.
Legacy of Conservation
Situated at the foothills of Mount Kenya in Meru County, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in protecting endangered species, specifically the rhino and Grevy’s zebra populations. Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013, it serves as a global model for integrating community development with wildlife protection.
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The appointment of a seasoned diplomat underscores a shift in conservation management, where international networking and sophisticated financial governance are increasingly viewed as vital complements to traditional field-based conservation efforts.
