Planet Ark has appointed Adam Culley to the role of co-CEO, joining Rebecca Gilling in leading the environmental not-for-profit during a leadership transition period.
Culley, who is currently deputy CEO, will step into the role of sole CEO by the end of 2025, as Gilling transitions towards retirement. The organisation said the two will “lead in partnership to ensure a smooth and purposeful handover” over the coming months.
In a post shared by Planet Ark, the organisation described Culley’s leadership as having been “instrumental through a time of transformation and renewed purpose”.
Culley said he was “exceptionally humbled” to be asked to lead Planet Ark into its next stage, and described the role as a privilege. “Over 33 years, Planet Ark has delivered so much, for so many people, through such an exceptional team,” he said.
He thanked Gilling for her “grace, fortitude and leadership” and also acknowledged Paul Klymenko, Planet Ark’s previous CEO, for his “mentorship, wisdom, and taking a chance on me”.
Gilling, who became CEO in 2021 after serving as deputy CEO for more than a decade, said she looked forward to continuing her partnership with Culley over the next several months. She encouraged attendees at this week’s ReGen Expo Australia to introduce themselves to him.
