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.”

Lala has over 20 years of experience in sustainable development project management, working with international NGOs and foundations on environmental sustainability, rural livelihoods, and supply chain responsibility in Indonesia. She focuses on strategic planning, project supervision, and partnership building, and values collaboration between communities and the private sector. As Programme Manager at SOS, she is committed to supporting innovative solutions that protect orangutans, forests, and local communities.

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.

Susie joined SOS in 2026, bringing over 20 years of experience leading conservation programmes across Africa and Asia. Her career spans senior roles at the Zoological Society of London, Save the Rhino International, and Chester Zoo, where she has designed, funded, and scaled complex multi-species programmes – working with government, communities, institutional donors, and international NGOs.

Susie brings expertise in programme quality, impact frameworks and securing conservation funding. She is passionate about conservation that is evidence-based and community-led, and built for long-term impact. Susie also serves on the Board of the Saola Foundation and as an Advisory Board Member for Ewaso Lions in Kenya, where she is currently leading the development of a community-led conservation framework. She is also a Trustee of Act4Africa in Uganda.

“SOS’s work represents exactly the kind of long-term, landscape scale conservation that has real impact for people and wildlife.”

Cat joined the team in 2026, bringing almost two decades of conservation expertise in orangutan conservation, commodity-driven deforestation, sustainable agriculture, and supply chains.

Her work has built a strong network of national and international stakeholders, aiming to drive sector change, protect tropical rainforests, and reduce deforestation. During Cat’s career at Chester Zoo, she led the organisation’s deforestation-free commodities work, including responsibility for world-renowned campaigning and advocacy work on sustainable palm oil.

Through a partnership between SOS and Twycross Zoo, Cat is continuing her work with the global zoo and aquarium sector, striving for global best practice and connecting the sector with orangutan conservation, sustainable palm oil and deforestation-free commodities.

Her role involves representing the zoo community nationally and globally, including on the RSPO alternate board of governors.

“I feel privileged to be able to join such a passionate and experienced team, striving to protect the forests, wildlife and people of Sumatra. I hope to bring my passion for landscape-scale conservation and collaborative approach to SOS — bringing together local communities, industry, NGOs, downstream players and international governments to secure the future of these vital rainforests.”

Roisin joined the SOS team in 2024, driven by a lifelong fascination with primates and a deep commitment to orangutan conservation. Bringing an academic background in anthropology and a proven track record of delivering data-driven communication campaigns within the charity sector, she expertly bridges scientific insight with strategic public engagement.

As Head of Communications, Roisin sits at the intersection of programmes and fundraising, translating complex field data and progress updates from Sumatra into compelling stories — helping to move SOS ever closer to its vision of wild orangutans thriving in resilient forests.

James joined the SOS team in early 2026. Having grown fundraising programmes in the UK conservation sector, he is passionate about blending complex scientific reporting with emotive language to make supporters feel part of the solution. James is focused on giving donors a positive and engaging experience that makes their support as long-lasting as our conservation efforts. When his head isn’t in a spreadsheet or researching the latest fundraising trends, he’s looking forward to getting to know our donors and what SOS means to them.

Selene joined the SOS team in September 2025, bringing her expertise in fundraising and donor stewardship, along with a deep commitment to environmental conservation. She holds a Master’s degree in Environment, Culture and Society, and is excited to contribute to SOS in a role that blends her academic insights with hands-on fundraising experience. As Development Assistant at SOS, she’s focused on keeping things running smoothly, delivering thoughtful donor communications, and finding new, creative ways to engage people. She takes pride in being a friendly, reliable point of contact and in building meaningful relationships that help protect orangutans, their forests, and their future. The invitation to Be More Orangutan is one Selene embraces wholeheartedly.