Staff

Helen has been leading SOS since 2005. She has been responsible for developing several programmes and partnerships which are making a substantial contribution to the protection of Sumatran orangutans, their forests and their future, and is passionate about breaking the link between development and deforestation. Helen has a Masters degree in Primate Conservation, has conducted research examining the impact of the expansion of oil palm plantations on the conservation status of orangutans. She says:

“We’re thinking long-term, big-picture, striving to bring about fundamental changes to the way that Sumatra’s forests and wildlife are valued, managed and protected. “

Koen joined the SOS team in November 2020. He brings over two decades of experience in the management and protection of the natural environment, working with international NGOs, private sector, and international institutions, including UN agencies and IUCN. He has worked on a broad range of topics including species conservation, protected area management, natural resource management, environmental conventions, climate change mitigation and adaptation, community based conservation and development, and social and ecological assessments. With extensive field experience in Asia and Africa, including more than 15 years in Indonesia, he combines strong practical knowledge on the socio-economic challenges with an in-depth understanding of the complex structural problems impacting orangutan conservation.

“The mission of SOS, to secure the future of Sumatran orangutans and their forests,  I consider to be critically important for sustaining both ecosystem health and human wellbeing in Sumatra. Only by understanding and effectively addressing the socio-economic drivers of the threats facing orangutans will we be able to ensure their long-term survival. As SOS’s new Conservation Director, my aim is to continue strengthening SOS’ innovative and holistic approach, through close partnership with a broad range of stakeholders, including civil society, government, private sector, and local communities. I am privileged to be joining a highly motivated and dedicated team and I will ensure that SOS remains well equipped and positioned to support Indonesia’s commitment to protect orangutans.”

Sophie has 7 years of experience in conservation and research, working to protect wildlife and its forest home in Indonesia. Having studied Anthropology as an undergraduate, and then Human Evolution and Behaviour as a masters student (where a healthy obsession with primate behaviour was developed!), she is fascinated by the way that humans interact with their environment, and their wonderful great ape cousins – orangutans! Recently, she has worked in NGOs ZSL (Zoological Society of London), Kew Gardens and FFI (Fauna and Flora International) supporting conservation in Indonesia.

‘I am so excited to draw on all my experience, from spending long days in a swamp forest researching orangutan behaviour to providing project support from behind a desk, to help SOS to realise its ambitions and to do all I can to see orangutans thrive in the wild’

Rhia has always loved telling stories and inspiring people.  She is an advocate for helping people discover what they are passionate about and inspiring them to make the change they want to see in the world. This is why fundraising is such a good fit! She has been working in fundraising since 2016 and is excited to be able to bring her skills and enthusiasm to SOS. As a lifelong animal lover, Rhia is excited to be able to help protect orangutans, their forests and their future. And she can’t wait to meet as many like minded supporters as possible too!

Liz has a passion for trees, woodland and wildlife and has spent 24 years raising millions to create, conserve and restore woodland in the UK.

She is very excited to have joined SOS where she can apply her skills to building long term relationships with trusts and foundations to protect forests on the other side of the world. The
prospect of conserving the only forests on Earth where orangutans, tigers, elephants, and rhinos co-exist is especially alluring for someone who spends their spare time creating wildlife studies in clay.

Liz applies her creativity to writing compelling and impactful proposals and thrives on finding SOS programmes to match up with the priorities of a funder so that together they can make the biggest possible impact to the future of wild Sumatran orangutans, forest edge communities and their precious rainforest homes.

Roisin joined the SOS team in 2024. Fuelled by a lifelong fascination with primates (and a soft spot for orangutans!), she has a proven track record of delivering effective, data-driven communications campaigns within the charity sector. Roisin has an undergraduate degree in Anthropology and is excited to join SOS in a role that combines her academic pursuits with her professional expertise in communications. Ultimately to help SOS move ever closer to its vision of wild orangutans thriving in resilient forests.

Emma joined the SOS team in 2024, bringing her expertise in corporate partnerships and a genuine love for the environment. She finds joy in collaborating with businesses to support their environmental goals, aligning with their CSR and ESG objectives. Through these partnerships, Emma hopes to contribute to conservation efforts, striving for a future where our planet and its precious wildlife can flourish together. To explore potential collaboration opportunities for your business, reach out to Emma today at emma@orangutans-sos.org. She looks forward to discussing how we can work together towards our shared goals!

Sarah is our Finance & Operations Manager and started working for SOS in April 2024. She brings 20 years of experience working in both accountancy practice and the not-for-profit and charity sector, as well as volunteering for small, local organisations. She is passionate about using her skills to make a difference to the world around her and, with 2 teenagers in the house, believes that there is no better time to take action to conserve the existing natural environments for the next generations. She is a lifelong wildlife supporter and is very excited to be working for SOS and helping us towards achieving our goals and securing the future of the Sumatran rainforests, their wildlife and communities.