August 11, 2025
Dr. M. Sanjayan Steps Down; Dr. Daniela Raik Named Interim CEO
ARLINGTON, Va. (August 11, 2025) – Conservation International today announced leadership changes to position the organization for the future.
Dr. M. Sanjayan is stepping down as CEO and member of the Board of Directors after leading an historic expansion of Conservation International over the last eight years as CEO and having been a part of the organization for more than a decade. The Board will be conducting a search for a permanent CEO and has appointed Dr. Daniela Raik, the organization’s current Executive Vice President and Chief Conservation Officer, to guide the organization as Interim CEO, effective immediately.
“The Board is grateful to Sanjayan for his exceptional leadership,” said interim Board of Directors Chair Robert J. Fisher. “As Conservation International grows to navigate an increasingly complex and rapidly shifting global conservation landscape, we are confident that the strong foundation he has built will position us for success in this next phase for the organization.”
“It’s been an honor to lead Conservation International, and I’m proud of our growth, our innovation and conservation impact achieved during my tenure,” said Sanjayan. “Having placed the organization on a great path, now is the right time for me to pursue new opportunities. CI is in great hands with Daniela, and I wish her and the entire global team continued success.”
During Sanjayan’s tenure, Conservation International experienced strong growth and innovation, undertaking two landmark capital campaigns totaling $2.7 billion and pioneering innovative conservation finance that has unlocked billions for global conservation. The organization has built deep partnerships with Indigenous peoples and local communities and collaborated with companies in multiple sectors to implement their sustainability commitments.
“Conservation International has been my home and my mission for nearly two decades. I’m so proud of our work to protect nature and improve lives, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to help us meet the challenges ahead in my new role,” said Interim CEO Dr. Daniela Raik.
Under Daniela’s leadership, Conservation International remains focused on its mission to build a healthy, prosperous world in which societies value and care for nature. Daniela is exceptionally qualified to lead the organization during this transition. She has deep, global experience in leading successful conservation efforts and holds advanced degrees in natural resources from Cornell University.
“During Sanjayan's 8-year tenure as Conservation International's CEO we have achieved exceptional impact in demonstrating that the protection of nature must and can be linked to effective economic productivity." said Peter Seligmann, Chairman Emeritus, former CEO, and Co-Founder. “Additionally under his leadership CI has continued advancing scalable conservation financing and breakthrough scientific initiatives and I wish him well. "
"I know my good friend and longtime colleague Daniela Raik will build on this work through strong partnerships and inspiring leadership. I am excited by the contributions CI will continue to advance in addressing the enormous head winds facing our local and global environments."
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About Conservation International: Founded in 1987, Conservation International works to spotlight and secure the critical benefits that nature provides to humanity. Combining fieldwork with innovations in science, policy and finance, CI has helped protect more than 6 million square kilometers of land and sea across more than 70 countries. Learn more at www.conservation.org.