Chief Executive Officer

Dr. M. Sanjayan is a globally recognized conservation scientist and public voice on climate and nature. As CEO of Conservation International (2017–2025), he oversaw eight and a half years of fast, sustained growth, leading two capital campaigns totaling $2.4B, more than doubling the organization’s global team, and forging transformative partnerships with Fortune 50 companies, governments, and philanthropists. 

Prior to that, Sanjayan spent over a decade as the lead scientist for The Nature Conservancy and launched its ground-breaking program in Africa. A scientist by training with a Ph.D. in Biology, he has combined academic rigor with visionary leadership to deliver impact around the globe.

Beyond the field, he is an Emmy-nominated broadcaster and host of award-winning documentaries with PBS and BBC, known for bringing science and inspiring storytelling to millions worldwide. His work has been covered by virtually every news outlet and magazine from the New York Times to Outside Magazine.  

Named to the inaugural TIME 100 Climate list, Sanjayan’s career bridges science, storytelling, and strategy to advance solutions that link people, nature, and climate. Sanjayan serves as a trustee for The Earthshot Prize; founded and led by Prince William, the prize seeks to find and scale solutions to the planet’s challenges. He is also on the board of the International Conservation Caucus Foundation (US), and the advisory board of the Minderoo Foundation, one of the largest in the Southern Hemisphere.