Outdoor conservation non-profit EOCA welcomes new Executive Director

Dan Yates takes the helm of European Outdoor Conservation Association following strategic review of the organization.

After a rigorous selection process, the European Outdoor Conservation Association (EOCA) is delighted to announce the appointment of its new Executive Director, Dan Yates.

Currently Director of Partnerships and Initiatives at Protect Our Winters (POW) Europe, Dan Yates has been selected to steer the association through its next phase of growth.  Working closely with the EOCA board, the aim is to reaffirm the association’s position as an essential part of every forward-thinking company’s Environmental and Social Governance (ESG) strategy.

Dan Yates brings a limitless passion for the outdoors and its protection. He has wide-ranging experience as a brand athlete and environmental ambassador.  Excited by the role he is stepping in to, he has founded and run several conservation charities, and latterly developed partnership, fundraising and pan-European campaign strategies at POW Europe.

“EOCA’s commitment to supporting vital conservation projects, working with local communities to protect and restore wild landscapes, and partnering with companies that value both nature and biodiversity, has rightly earned the organisation a solid reputation within the outdoor sector.

Now is the time for EOCA to build on that foundation and become the must-have partner for purpose driven organisations, in the outdoor sector, and beyond.  It is EOCA’s huge potential for growth within an industry determined to make a positive difference, through nature restoration and protection of wild places that truly inspires me.” Dan Yates, Executive Director EOCA (incoming).

Julian Lings, President of EOCA and Head of Brand Sustainability EMEA, VF Corporation adds,

“We are thrilled to have appointed Dan to lead EOCA through this next stage. The energy, enthusiasm and breadth of knowledge he brings to the role will shape the way forwards for the association.  He will bring about the step change and the positive impact needed as we tackle the issues we are all facing, as a result of the continuing loss of nature and the devastating impacts of climate change.”

Dan Yates replaces Mark Held, who was instrumental in the founding of EOCA in 2006, as part of his role as General Secretary of the European Outdoor Group.  Mark has guided and grown the organisation since then, and has decided it is time for a new Executive Director to take the reins for this next, exciting phase.

This recruitment follows a number of changes taken to strengthen the EOCA board in its ambition to play an essential role in addressing the increasing needs and commitments of the sector’s ESG strategies. The board currently comprises:  Julian Lings, President (The North Face, VF Corporation), Antje Fehling, Vice President (bluesign), Jon Nash, Treasurer (Nikwax), Arne Strate, Secretary (EOG), Debbie Read (Equip Outdoor Technologies Ltd), Stefanie Lemcke (Stanley), Annemarie Keiser (Patagonia) and Maïté Angleys (BSI, co-opted until May 2025).

Dan Yates will start his role with EOCA in early November to allow time for POW Europe to address the gap he will leave, and to enable a smooth transition into the EOCA board.

 

ABOUT EOCA

The European Outdoor Conservation Association (EOCA) is an initiative from the European outdoor industry with the objective of protecting the wild areas it cares so passionately about.

Designed to harness the incredible power of the outdoor leisure sector and to raise money to donate to grassroots conservation groups, the European Outdoor Conservation Association is funded by membership and other fundraising activities within the outdoor industry. Membership is open to anyone that can demonstrate an involvement in the European outdoor industry.

To find out more about the association please go to: www.eocaconservation.org

 

 

Photo: EOCA / Dan Yates

SUSTON
jonathan.eidse@norragency.com