At WildArk, we’re a team of conservationists, storytellers, scientists, strategists, and nature-lovers united by one mission: to protect and restore the wild.
From grassroots partnerships to global campaigns, we work behind the scenes to connect people, fund solutions, and tell powerful stories that drive environmental action.
Together with our partners on the ground, we’re helping to rewild ecosystems, protect endangered species, and inspire a global community of nature defenders.
Mark is a visionary conservationist with a lifelong passion for wild places. Together with his wife Sophie, he founded WildArk to bridge the gap between grassroots conservation and global audiences — creating a platform that elevates local efforts to protect biodiversity while inspiring worldwide support.
Mark is an investor across the health and wellness sector and new regenerative economy, looking at technology that embeds biodiversity as a valued input. He has a Masters of Business, a Masters of Ancient History, a Masters of Conservation Biology and is completing a PhD in Evolutionary Biology, working on a cane toad resistant gene for Australian large reptiles and carnivorous marsupials, so they can predate on highly invasive toads without dying.
John is WildArk’s CEO and a purpose-driven leader with a multidisciplinary background spanning law, finance, technology, and impact investing. He believes in harnessing the power of capital markets alongside philanthropy to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges. Based in Atlanta, John also serves as Managing Director of Woodleaf Partners and contributes his expertise to numerous conservation organizations, including The Nature Conservancy and the Trust for Public Land. For John, building partnerships and aligning business with environmental stewardship is key to protecting wild places and species for future generations.
Jonathan is WildArk’s CFO, bringing decades of experience in financial services, investment, and venture capital. Born in South Africa, he developed a deep love for the outdoors while running marathons like the Comrades and hiking the region’s wild trails. After migrating to Australia in the 1990s, Jonathan built businesses across finance, travel, and education and remains a Chartered Accountant with an active role in financial services. A committed advocate for conservation, he believes in working with environmentalists, communities, and business to rethink the true value of nature.
Kirstin is WildArk’s General Manager, keeping the organization’s engines running while ensuring partnerships deliver scalable, accountable impact. A passionate storyteller and content strategist, she crafts WildArk’s films and campaigns to move hearts and minds in support of conservation. Kirstin studied a Bachelor of Journalism with a focus on Photojournalism at Rhodes University, South Africa and began her career capturing the power and magic of the ocean as a professional surf photographer, including over a decade as Senior Photographer for the World Surf League. Today, she channels her creativity and operational expertise into protecting wild places and driving WildArk’s mission forward every day.
Mark is a visionary conservationist with a lifelong passion for wild places. Together with his wife Sophie, he founded WildArk to bridge the gap between grassroots conservation and global audiences — creating a platform that elevates local efforts to protect biodiversity while inspiring worldwide support.
Mark is an investor across the health and wellness sector and new regenerative economy, looking at technology that embeds biodiversity as a valued input. He has a Masters of Business, a Masters of Ancient History, a Masters of Conservation Biology and is completing a PhD in Evolutionary Biology, working on a cane toad resistant gene for Australian large reptiles and carnivorous marsupials, so they can predate on highly invasive toads without dying.
John is WildArk’s CEO and a purpose-driven leader with a multidisciplinary background spanning law, finance, technology, and impact investing. He believes in harnessing the power of capital markets alongside philanthropy to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges. Based in Atlanta, John also serves as Managing Director of Woodleaf Partners and contributes his expertise to numerous conservation organizations, including The Nature Conservancy and the Trust for Public Land. For John, building partnerships and aligning business with environmental stewardship is key to protecting wild places and species for future generations.
Sophie is WildArk’s Co-Founder and a committed advocate for conserving the world’s wild places. Together with her husband Mark, she founded WildArk in 2015, launching their first initiative, the Pridelands Conservancy in South Africa, as a model for the conservation work they aim to pursue globally. With a background in naturopathic studies, online retail, and content creation, Sophie brings decades of experience in travel, entrepreneurship, and filmmaking. At WildArk, she is passionate about inspiring people to connect with nature and support the protection of wildlife and wild places.
James is Chair of the WildArk Australia Board, bringing a passion for leadership and governance to support the organization’s mission in his part of the world. Based in Tasmania, one of the world’s great wilderness regions, he has a deep appreciation for sustainability and biodiversity protection. A corporate lawyer with extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions and corporate advisory, James established his own firm in 2001 after working in Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom, as well as serving as senior corporate counsel for GE in Australasia. An experienced director and chair, he contributes his skills, networks, and strategic insight to help WildArk become a leading force in conservation.
Jonathan is WildArk’s CFO, bringing decades of experience in financial services, investment, and venture capital. Born in South Africa, he developed a deep love for the outdoors while running marathons like the Comrades and hiking the region’s wild trails. After migrating to Australia in the 1990s, Jonathan built businesses across finance, travel, and education and remains a Chartered Accountant with an active role in financial services. A committed advocate for conservation, he believes in working with environmentalists, communities, and business to rethink the true value of nature.
Katharine is a strategist, writer, and teacher advancing solutions to the climate crisis. As Vice President at Project Drawdown, she helped lead the team behind the New York Times bestseller Drawdown. A Rhodes Scholar with a doctorate from Oxford, she has worked across research, advocacy, and business, and is a widely recognized voice in climate communication.
Lee is General Counsel of RCG Ventures, where he oversees the legal aspects of real estate investments and operations. With prior experience at InterContinental Hotels Group and Troutman Sanders LLP, he brings expertise in transactions, development, and corporate matters. Passionate about conservation, he serves on the board of Chattahoochee NOW and has held leadership roles with nonprofits focused on public spaces and the environment.
Mark is a PhD student and Adjunct Assistant Professor at the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas, where he teaches Social Entrepreneurship. He is also a Venture Partner at UnLtd USA and has supported investments in more than 35 ventures worldwide. With experience spanning academia, venture capital, and community development, Mark has worked across the U.S., India, Ecuador, and Botswana to advance social and environmental impact.
Beatrice has over a decade of experience in corporate law and global health. She helped launch the Aspen Management Partnership for Health at The Aspen Institute, working with Ministries of Health across sub-Saharan Africa, and previously advised the MDG Health Alliance. Earlier in her career, she practiced law at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett in New York, specializing in mergers & acquisitions and corporate matters.
AlexAnna is President of the Igiugig Tribal Village Council, where she leads cultural and educational initiatives, including an Alaska Native Education “Communities Teaching Culture” grant. A Yup’ik and Aleut leader, she also serves on the boards of the Igiugig Native Corporation, the Nilavena Tribal Health Consortium, and the Lake and Peninsula Borough Planning Commission. She is pursuing a Master’s in Rural Development at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, while raising her six children in the village of Igiugig.
Riccard is a business owner, philanthropist, and conservationist based in Kimbe, Papua New Guinea. He founded and operates Baia Sport Fishing Lodge, an eco-tourism destination that partners with local communities to promote sustainable livelihoods and protect river systems. An outspoken advocate against destructive logging, he is working with villages to expand conservation-focused tourism that safeguards ecosystems while supporting health and education.
We’re proud to work with a growing global network of:
This collaborative approach allows us to scale impact while staying grounded in local wisdom and action.
We’re always looking to collaborate with passionate individuals, creatives, and organisations who share our mission.
