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Following a strategic review of the organisation, Dan Yates, currently of Protect Our Winters (POW) Europe, will take the helm at the European Conservation Association. A passionate splitboarder, white water paddler, and outdoorsman, Dan brings a limitless passion for the outdoors and its protection to the role. Full story below.
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 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 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.
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“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 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 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.
Find out more about the EOCA here.