January 8th, 2026
Robin Pierro appointed as Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Law Foundation
The Environmental Law Foundation (ELF) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Robin Pierro as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Robin brings over 15 years of leadership experience across the human rights and environmental justice sectors, with a track record of guiding organisations through periods of growth and change.
Robin joins ELF at a pivotal moment for the organisation and the wider environmental justice sector, as communities across the UK face mounting environmental challenges and an increasingly complex policy landscape.
As ELF enters this new chapter, Robin’s expertise in strategy, communications, and partnerships will support the organisation to expand its capacity and reach, enabling it to meet growing demand for its pro bono legal services, while also working to strengthen the environmental justice ecosystem and push for improved policies.
Reflecting on the significance of the appointment, Richard Wald KC, Chair of the ELF Board of Trustees, said, “On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I am delighted to welcome Robin Pierro as the CEO of the Environmental Law Foundation. Her appointment comes at an important moment for ELF, as we continue to build on three decades of work securing environmental justice for communities across the UK. Robin brings an impressive track record of leadership across the social justice sector, alongside a deep commitment to environmental justice. The Board looks forward to working with Robin as she focuses on expanding ELF’s reach and increasing its impact.”
Prior to joining ELF, Robin served as Managing Director of Koreo, where she led the organisation through a period of transformation, establishing a new vision and strategy, expanding into new markets, and strengthening consultancy support to mission-driven organisations around the world.
Previously, as the inaugural Director of Communications and Marketing at the Fund for Global Human Rights, Robin built the organisation’s communications function from the ground up, amplifying and advancing the work of environmental and human rights defenders in more than 50 countries. Her work in philanthropy also included leadership roles with the Mannifera Funding Collective and the Reichstein Foundation, where she shaped organisational strategy, expanded brand visibility, and enhanced power-shifting grantmaking practices. Earlier in her career, with Journalists for Human Rights, she launched and directed a number of award-winning programmes that strengthened independent media and human rights education across the globe.
The thread that has connected Robin’s work is a deep commitment to ensuring that people have the knowledge, resources, and power they need to stand up for their rights and shape the policies and practices governing their lives.
Looking ahead to her role and ELF’s future direction, Robin shared, “I’m honoured to be joining an organisation with such a powerful legacy and dedicated team. At a time when environmental pressures are intensifying and protections are weakening, ELF’s work is vital. I’m looking forward to collaborating with our team, trustees, members, and partners to expand ELF’s capacity, visibility, and influence so we can meet this moment head-on and deepen our role as a trusted ally to communities across the UK.”
Under Robin’s leadership, ELF will continue to build on its existing work across three strategic focus areas. This includes: supporting communities through its Advice & Referral service, ensuring that anyone, regardless of their income or identity, can understand their rights and access free legal support when facing threats to their local environment; strengthening the environmental justice ecosystem by facilitating training, learning, and opportunities for collaboration; and advocating for more nature-positive legal frameworks that are shaped by community expertise, including ongoing work to advance the Rights of Nature.
Robin joined ELF on January 5. Please join us in welcoming her to the team.