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Members of the Board of Trustees
Marine Stewardship Council
Alexandria, VA, USA
Posted on Mar 21, 2026
MSC expanding its reach and engagement
The Marine Stewardship Council’s vision is for the world’s oceans to be teeming with life, and seafood supplies safeguarded for this and future generations. Through our internationally recognised certification and ecolabeling program well-managed sustainable fisheries are recognised and rewarded in the marketplace, through the leadership of our partners. Critically, other fisheries are incentivised to improve their performance to meet the growing demand for certified sustainable and traceable seafood choice. Over 700 fisheries around the world, 21% of the annual global marine catch, are now engaged in the MSC program and over 2,600 documented improvements to the way our oceans are being fished have been recorded. MSC certified and labelled seafood products are now available in over 100 countries.
MSC contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals
Within the wider ocean landscape, MSC plays an important role in contributing to the delivery of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Set out in our Integrated Strategic Plan, our strategic priorities are underpinned by ambitious goals aligned to SDG 14 – Life Below Water: we are aiming to engage at least one-third of the world’s fisheries in our Program by 2030.
Strong governance for our sustainable fisheries standard
Fundamental to MSC’s success and strategic evolution over the past 25 years has been our multi-stakeholder governance model, led by its Board of Trustees. The Board sets MSC’s strategic direction, guiding and overseeing delivery of the organisation’s strategic priorities. In doing so, it is supported by advice from the Executive, which in turn is advised by the Technical Advisory Board (TAB), responsible for providing scientific and technical advice, and the Stakeholder Advisory Council (STAC) which, through its multi-stakeholder membership, provides stakeholder advice and perspectives.
The Board’s own composition reflects the range of appropriate strategic skills and experience required to lead a complex international organisation, including knowledge of the seafood industry and supply chain, conservation sector, and applied fisheries science.
Appointment of two new Trustees for the MSC
As part of the continued evolution and refresh of its governance, the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is seeking to appoint two new Trustees to its Board. Both appointees are expected to bring a strong track record of senior leadership, credibility at the highest levels, and expertise directly relevant to the MSC’s mission and work.
In addition to a sound understanding of good governance and the responsibilities of trusteeship, the MSC is particularly interested in candidates who can offer deep expertise and leadership experience in one the following areas:
- Conservation and environmental leadership: a recognised leader in conservation or environmental sustainability, with executive and/or Board-level experience in international environmental organisations. Candidates should bring strategic insight and expertise, enabling them to inform and develop Board-level consideration of current and emerging conservation issues related to ocean stewardship and sustainable fishing.
- Applied fisheries science expertise: internationally recognised fisheries scientist with senior leadership experience in applied fisheries management, fisheries or marine policy development, and/or assessment, ideally including direct experience of MSC’s Fisheries Standard. With a strategic perspective, applicants will provide expertise and assurance to the Board on scientific and fisheries management matters, supporting the MSC in the effective delivery of its mission.
Senior level experience in engaging with government and/or intra-governmental bodies would be desirable in either of the seats.
While appointed for their particular expertise, Trustees contribute as full members of the MSC Board, engaging across the complete range of strategic, governance and fiduciary responsibilities that come before it.
Trustees are appointed for a term of three years and may be invited to serve up to a maximum of two terms. The time commitment averages approximately 1-2 days per month.
It is anticipated that the candidate appointed from a conservation or environmental background would take up their Board seat from July 2026. The candidate appointed from an applied fisheries science background would join the Board from July 2027, using the intervening year as an extended induction period and attending all Board meetings during that time.
Person specifications
Applicants for Board seats must demonstrate an understanding of MSC’s mission and vision, preferably based on experience. They should have excellent diplomatic skills and a natural affinity for cultivating relationships, problem-solving and building consensus among diverse individuals, and a commitment to inclusive practice and championing of diversity.
Candidates for Trustee roles must also be able to demonstrate high levels of integrity, objectivity and fairness, excellent intellectual and analytical skills, and an ability to look forward and see the bigger picture. The capacity to work effectively in a team and to engage in a constructive and open manner is
essential, as is an understanding and acceptance of the duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship in a UK legal context. Good spoken and written English skills are essential.
We value and promote diversity within our Board of Trustees. It is vital that our Board Members are drawn from the widest possible talent pool, bringing with them different experiences, ideas and perspectives to inform our discussions and decisions. We therefore welcome and strongly encourage applications from a diverse range of candidates for these roles, from all demographic groups, communities and geographies, especially those currently under-represented on the Board.
In appointing to these vacancies, we are keen to continue to improve representation from Southern Europe and Asia within the Board’s membership. With that in mind, we particularly welcome applications from candidates from Southern European and Asian countries.
How to apply
To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter, detailing how you fulfil the role description and personal specification to Perrett Laver Vacancies quoting reference 8353. The deadline for applications is Monday 20th April 2026 at 9:00am BST.
Perrett Laver will conduct an executive search process in parallel with the public advertisement of the role.
Longlisted candidates will be invited to an interview with Perrett Laver in late-April, early-May and shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview with MSC in late-May.
We are committed to the principles of equality and fairness and do not discriminate on the grounds of age, ethnicity, race, colour, religion or belief, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability. If you consider yourself to have a disability and need reasonable adjustments made during the recruitment and selection process, please let us know how we can help you.
To confidentially get in touch about this role, or for advice on your application please email, Ilona Motyer on ilona.motyer@perrettlaver.com
Should you require access to these documents in alternative formats, please contact Freya Coombes on freya.coombes@perrettlaver.com
If you have comments that would support us to improve access to documentation, or our application processes more generally, please do not hesitate to contact us via accessibility@perrettlaver.com