Ruth Tanner joins World Animal Protection UK as Country Director

We’re delighted to welcome Ruth Tanner as the new UK Country Director at World Animal Protection. 

Ruth joins us with extensive experience and a track record of leadership across international NGOs, including Amnesty International and Oxfam, as well as in the UK Parliament and with United Nations agencies in Ethiopia and the Western Balkans.

Her career has spanned global human rights, conflict and humanitarian issues, corporate accountability, and climate and environmental justice. Most recently, she led Campaigning and Activism in Europe for Amnesty International and co-led Amnesty’s regional office in Europe, playing a key role in driving people-powered campaigns across the region. 

Ruth has consistently championed bold activism that shifts narratives, influences policy, and mobilises public support for lasting, systemic change. She is committed to working in partnership with activists, supporters and grassroots movements - values that are central to our work at World Animal Protection. 

Her appointment comes at an important time. Across the UK and globally, we are confronting the devastating impacts of factory farming, from the mass suffering of animals to the destruction of ecosystems and acceleration of the climate crisis. 

We’re also continuing to push for a future free from wild animals in entertainment, with popular global tour operators such as TUI still promoting the exploitation of dolphins and whales in marine parks. 

Ruth will play a critical role in leading this work in the UK, supporting our strategic objectives and working closely with colleagues across our global network to advance our shared mission to protect animals worldwide. She will also join the Senior Leadership Team, bringing her knowledge and perspective to help drive our global priorities forward. 

Reflecting on the first couple of weeks in office, Ruth said:

These first weeks have reaffirmed for me just how urgent change for animals truly is. I’m proud to join an organisation that’s taking on some of the biggest challenges facing animals, people and the planet and doing so with determination, compassion, and ambition.

I’m excited to work with the incredible team at World Animal Protection UK to challenge harmful industries, push for stronger protections, and mobilise public support for a better future for animals and our planet for the long term.

Image credits: Hero image is by Raggy Charters