Fiona Holmes is taking the helm at marine conservation organisation Blue Ventures as its new Chair of Trustees. She joins the organisation at a critical moment in its efforts to scale up community-led marine conservation and will lead the board as the charity continues to deepen its impact, and to work towards achieving its 2025 strategy Thriving Fishers Thriving Oceans.
John Wareham passes the baton to Fiona, following six years as a member of Blue Ventures’ board, a period of sustained growth as the charity has expanded its work supporting low-income coastal communities worldwide.
“During my time as Interim Chair, I am delighted that Blue Ventures has continued to grow and develop ambitious plans for the future. Despite the problems that the pandemic has caused, the organisation continues to improve the lives of small-scale fishers throughout the tropics. I’m hugely proud to have played a part in that change,” said Wareham.
“Fiona Holmes as the new Chair has the experience and passion to lead the Board in the next phase of Blue Ventures’ growth. Her values are perfectly aligned with Blue Ventures’ compelling work and she will be a huge asset to this dynamic organisation,” he said.
With senior leadership experience from across the commercial and charity sectors, Fiona brings extensive expertise, including from her work as Director at Marks & Spencer, the Managing Director of Figleaves, a trustee at the Octavia Foundation and Smart Works. Fiona also works as a school governor, ensuring that strategic objectives are met and overseeing long-term development, and has volunteered for a number of charities helping to empower women and disadvantaged people.
Holmes said that she is “honoured and excited to be joining the board of Blue Ventures.”
“It’s an organisation whose values I care deeply about and the need to promote marine conservation and rebuild coastal fisheries has never been greater,” she said.
“I am looking forward to contributing to driving innovation in the marine conservation sector and meeting the Blue Ventures family.”
Alasdair Harris, Founder and Executive Director of Blue Ventures, welcomed the board’s appointment of Fiona.
“Fiona’s appointment marks an exciting moment in Blue Ventures’ journey, as we scale up our work to reach 1.5 million people in low-income coastal communities by 2025,” said Harris.
“Fiona’s approach to leadership is closely aligned with our values, and her experience of supporting organisations through periods of rapid growth and expansion will be of enormous benefit to our growing global team,” he said.
