Sustainable Coastlines set to scale up under new leadership

We continue to grow both in impact and reputation. To continue this growth and further scale our successes, we are proud to announce the appointment of Josh Borthwick in a newly created CEO position, and a revitalised leadership team.

In appointing the new CEO, chairwoman Emma Dent noted the high calibre of candidates that interviewed for the position, crediting the existing team, “Impressive leaders want to be part of this cause, and it’s because of the vision, passion, and hard work of our founders and the team’s efforts in creating a tight knit and hard-working culture that delivers impressive impact.”

“The board and I were looking for a CEO who could lead Sustainable Coastlines to a whole new level. And with the appointment of Josh Borthwick, we believe we have got just that.”

Borthwick comes from a position at Stuff’s executive team, leading their advertising business with a team of 156. “Josh is an accomplished leader who cares deeply about his people and supports them to be their best; he’s absolutely passionate about sustainability; he’s successfully led through challenging times and has an extensive network of contacts complementary to our own. Everyone we spoke to about Josh talked about what a calm, capable and thoughtful leader he is.”

Above: Josh Borthwick, new Sustainable Coastlines CEO.
Top: Sustainable Coastlines staff and board members, November 2019.

In addition to Borthwick’s appointment, Sustainable Coastlines’ leadership team structure has been strengthened with new roles to support the continued development, success, culture and capacity for impact of the charity. 

Co-founder Camden Howitt takes lead on the charity’s core programme delivery, as the new programmes director. Since its inception, Howitt has designed, delivered and scaled-up Sustainable Coastlines’ programmes and grass-roots impacts around Aotearoa. Dent adds, “Camden’s commitment and passion for the kaupapa, as well as his knowledge and experience in delivering our mahi mean he will have a huge impact in this role. As co-founder he will continue to use his impressive public speaking skills to further advance our mission.” 

Interim general manager Fletcher Sunde assumes the position of operations director, motivating the wider team and ensuring alignment with strategic and operational plans. Fletcher is credited by the team for his calm and perceptive management and his work keeping the ship steady in these turbulent times. Dent says, “Fletcher has brought a new energy and focus to improving the way we do things at Sustainable Coastlines.”.

Also joining the leadership team is strategic partnerships director Stephanie Vercoe, whose relationship-building and fundraising prowess are invaluable to Sustainable Coastlines, especially in this challenging economic climate. The board credits her with being innovative and highly motivated in the partnerships space and looks forward to working more closely with her.