Sea Shepherd Conservation Society’s Board of Directors and CEO Pritam Singh are pleased to announce the appointment of Julian Escutia‑Rodríguez as Executive Director.
A seasoned diplomat with more than two decades of international and public policy experience, Escutia‑Rodríguez joined Sea Shepherd in February 2024 as Mexico Country Director. In this elevated role, he will now drive strategy, forge high-level partnerships, and lead direct-action operations to defend the world’s oceans.
Escutia‑Rodríguez has been instrumental in building formal alliances with key Mexican agencies—including the Navy (SEMAR), the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT), the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (PROFEPA), and the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONANP).
Sea Shepherd works alongside these agencies to protect species in risk like the critically endangered vaquita porpoise. Under Escutia‑Rodríguez’s leadership, operational areas continue to expand—and with them, Sea Shepherd’s impact. His work has also deepened trust between the organization and government partners.
“Julian’s leadership has strengthened institutional trust and scaled our operations in Mexico,” said CEO Pritam Singh. “I expect his vision and determination will drive major global growth for Sea Shepherd’s mission to defend marine life and uphold environmental law.”
Prior to entering the conservation space, Escutia‑Rodríguez served in senior diplomatic posts in Wellington, New Zealand; Houston, Texas; and the Mexican Embassy in Washington, DC. He held high-level roles such as Chief of Staff to Mexico’s Undersecretary for North America, Director General for the Protection of Mexicans Abroad, and Consul of Mexico in Las Vegas, Nevada.
“It’s an honor to take on this role,” said Escutia‑Rodríguez. “I will dedicate myself fully to protecting endangered marine wildlife across the world and carrying Sea Shepherd’s mission forward with urgency and resolve.”
His appointment marks a new chapter of growth and global impact for Sea Shepherd.
