Originally trained in the disciplines of geography and economics, completing an honours degree at James Cook University in 1980. Has worked in a number of areas of natural resource management and policy particularly in the marine and coastal realms. Master’s in Environmental Law, Australian National University. Appointed as inaugural Chair and Chief Executive of Queensland’s Fisheries Management Authority (QFMA) in 1994. 1998, Executive Director, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA). Represented the Australian government at the first Coral Triangle Summit in Bali in December 2007. Between July 2008 and December 2012, worked with the international NGOs –WWF and The Nature Conservancy to assist with the development of the Coral Triangle Initiative. In this role, worked extensively throughout the region. Also worked as an adviser to an alliance of Australian universities to provide capacity development to the countries and institutions of the Coral Triangle. February 2012, joined WWF International as Director, Global Marine Program. Then appointed as Leader of the WWF Oceans Practice in 2016. Responsibilities include development and implementation of a new global oceans strategy. The focus of work is to support the effective implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals especially SDG14.