Andrew Sharpless Named CEO Of Oceana, An International
Press Release Date: October 6, 2009
Location: Washington
Contact:
Anna Baxter | email: abaxter@oceana.org
Anna Baxter
Oceana announced today that Andrew Sharpless, a former top executive with Discovery Networks and RealNetworks, has been named as chief executive officer.
“We are pleased to have found such a talented leader to help us to protect the world’s oceans.” said Herbert M. Bedolfe III, chair of Oceana’s board of directors. “Andy knows how to build and lead elite organizations and we’re confident that, with his guidance, Oceana will continue its trajectory as the world’s most effective marine conservation organization.”
Sharpless is an experienced manager of start-up organizations and concepts – he helped to launch and define the video streaming market as senior vice president for Real Networks and built the online presence of Discovery Networks, the cable television company behind The Discovery Channel, The Learning Channel, Animal Planet, Discovery Health and The Travel Channel. Discovery.com, under Sharpless’ leadership, became an award-winning Internet destination. Sharpless’ prior experience includes five years as a management consultant at McKinsey & Co., working for a variety of corporate, non-profit and governmental clients.
In addition to his business and management expertise, Sharpless has extensive advocacy experience with organizations including People for the American Way, Study of Responsive Law, and the Wisconsin Citizens Utility Board.
“I’m looking forward to putting an end to destructive fishing practices and ocean pollution,” said Sharpless. “Recent scientific research shows that many of the world’s most important fisheries are collapsing. Oceana will use science, law and advocacy to bring this message to the public and policy makers around the
world. We will make Oceana the leader in international ocean advocacy and ensure that the world we leave our children is not void of the marvelous birds, fish and animals that inhabit the sea.”
Sharpless is a graduate of Harvard College, Harvard Law School, and The London School of Economics. He is married to Beth Inabinett, with whom he has two children.
Oceana is a non-profit international advocacy organization dedicated to restoring and protecting the world’s oceans through policy advocacy, science, law and public education. Founded in 2001, Oceana’s constituency includes members and activists from more than 150 countries and territories who are committed to saving the world’s marine environment. Oceana, headquartered in Washington, D.C., has additional offices in key U.S. coastal areas, a South American office in Santiago, Chile, and will open a European office in fall of 2003. For more information, please visit www.Oceana.org.
