Karen is a co-founder and the Executive Director of ORRAA. She has spent her career working on ocean conservation, advocacy and policy and has spoken and written extensively on ocean conservation, climate and sustainable finance. She was previously CEO of Ocean Unite, co-founded with Sir Richard Branson and José María Figueres which focused on achieving the 30x30 biodiversity target. Before that, she had roles as Senior Director for International Oceans at The Pew Charitable Trusts and Head of Greenpeace International’s Political & Business Unit as well as its Ocean campaign. She has spearheaded global campaigns to secure a new high seas biodiversity treaty, establish large marine reserves and sanctuaries, reform the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy, end illegal fishing and high seas bottom trawling, and drive political and policy action to protect marine species. She initiated the Global Ocean Commission. Karen has master’s degrees in international environmental law and international political economy. She originates from South Africa and lives in the United States. In 2024, she was selected to be a Rockefeller Bellagio Resident Fellow.
