Simon, a passionate and dedicated conservationist, boasts over a decade of experience in wildlife conservation. His expertise lies in the heart of rhino conservation, complemented by more than two decades of senior management experience in a leading multinational financial institution. These qualifications make him the ideal candidate to lead the Helping Rhinos organisation.
During Simon’s tenure as the leader of Helping Rhinos, they have successfully raised over £3 million, enabling the protection of over 1,000 rhinos and 250,000 hectares of wild spaces. Through fruitful collaborations with some of the world’s foremost rhino conservationists, they have established registered offices in the UK, USA, and Europe (Netherlands).
Simon’s strategic vision for Helping Rhinos centers on securing the necessary funds to protect the global rhino population and create safeguarded ecosystems thriving with biodiversity – Rhino Strongholds. Moreover, his vision includes inspiring local communities to actively participate in wildlife conservation.
In March 2012, Simon founded Helping Rhinos in the UK following a devastating poaching attack on three rhinos at the Kariega Game Reserve in South Africa’s Eastern Cape. This place held a special significance to Simon, as he had previously spent six weeks supporting their conservation efforts in 2010 during a sabbatical from his 24-year career at American Express. The heart-wrenching incident at Kariega compelled Simon to take immediate action and do everything in his power to protect his cherished rhino species.