Department of Conservation Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Department of Conservation has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, operational management, information technology, and human resources.

Committed to protecting natural and historical heritage, Department of Conservation drives national conservation efforts through rigorous policy implementation and public service excellence across New Zealand.

Leadership Roles at Department of Conservation

  • Chief Executive Officer - Lewis Sanson
  • Chief Financial Officer - Nick Mayo
  • Chief Operating Officer - Debi Webster
  • Chief Information Officer - Richard Kay
  • Chief People Officer - Karyn Thompson
  • Lewis Sanson - Chief Executive Officer

    Lewis Sanson, the Chief Executive Officer at Department of Conservation, directs the overarching strategic vision for the protection of natural and historical heritage. Sanson manages high-level relationships with the New Zealand Conservation Authority to ensure alignment between ministerial directives and field operations. By prioritizing biodiversity outcomes, the Chief Executive Officer shapes the long-term environmental trajectory of the nation. Lewis Sanson oversees the integration of scientific research into public policy, ensuring that conservation efforts remain evidence-based and impactful. This leadership role involves navigating complex regulatory frameworks while maintaining public trust in government environmental stewardship. Through consistent engagement with stakeholders, the Chief Executive Officer secures the resources necessary for large-scale ecological restoration projects. Ultimately, Sanson drives the organizational culture toward proactive environmental management, ensuring that the department meets its mandate to preserve the unique landscapes and historical assets of New Zealand for future generations.

    Nick Mayo - Chief Financial Officer

    Nick Mayo, the Chief Financial Officer at Department of Conservation, manages the fiscal health and budgetary allocations required for national conservation initiatives. Mayo architects robust financial reporting systems to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of public funds. By overseeing capital expenditure for environmental projects, the Chief Financial Officer supports the department in achieving its core mission of heritage preservation. Nick Mayo coordinates with government treasury departments to secure funding for critical infrastructure and ecological monitoring programs. This leadership role involves rigorous risk assessment and financial planning to mitigate potential budgetary shortfalls during large-scale operations. Through the implementation of efficient procurement processes, the Chief Financial Officer optimizes resource distribution across regional offices. Ultimately, Mayo ensures that financial stability remains a cornerstone of the organization, allowing the department to execute its complex conservation mandate with precision and fiscal responsibility throughout the entire country.

    Debi Webster - Chief Operating Officer

    Debi Webster, the Chief Operating Officer at Department of Conservation, executes the daily operational strategies necessary for maintaining New Zealand's natural and historical sites. Webster directs field teams and regional managers to ensure the effective implementation of conservation protocols on the ground. By streamlining logistics for remote site maintenance, the Chief Operating Officer enhances the efficiency of environmental protection efforts. Debi Webster coordinates cross-departmental workflows to ensure that scientific research translates into actionable field management. This leadership role involves managing the physical assets and infrastructure that support public access to protected areas. Through the optimization of operational processes, the Chief Operating Officer drives improvements in site safety and ecological health. Ultimately, Webster ensures that the department maintains a high standard of service delivery, enabling the organization to fulfill its duty to protect the natural heritage of New Zealand through consistent and reliable field operations.

    Richard Kay - Chief Information Officer

    Richard Kay, the Chief Information Officer at Department of Conservation, architects the digital infrastructure required to support modern conservation data management. Kay directs the development of advanced monitoring systems that track biodiversity trends and historical site conditions across the nation. By overseeing the integration of geospatial technology, the Chief Information Officer enables data-driven decision-making for environmental protection. Richard Kay manages the cybersecurity protocols necessary to protect sensitive ecological data and public records. This leadership role involves collaborating with scientific teams to deploy digital tools that enhance the efficiency of field research and reporting. Through the modernization of information systems, the Chief Information Officer drives the digital transformation of the department. Ultimately, Kay ensures that the organization leverages technology to improve the accuracy and accessibility of conservation information, supporting the broader mission of preserving the natural and historical heritage of New Zealand.

    Karyn Thompson - Chief People Officer

    Karyn Thompson, the Chief People Officer at Department of Conservation, directs the human capital strategy to support a workforce dedicated to environmental preservation. Thompson architects talent acquisition and professional development programs that ensure the department retains experts in ecology, history, and public administration. By fostering an inclusive organizational culture, the Chief People Officer drives employee engagement and alignment with the core mission of heritage protection. Karyn Thompson manages workforce planning to ensure that regional offices have the necessary staffing levels to execute conservation mandates effectively. This leadership role involves designing performance management systems that reward excellence in public service and environmental stewardship. Through the implementation of comprehensive training initiatives, the Chief People Officer enhances the technical capabilities of the entire staff. Ultimately, Thompson ensures that the department maintains a highly skilled and motivated workforce, capable of addressing the complex challenges involved in protecting the natural and historical heritage of New Zealand.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Federal

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Department of Conservation Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Department of Conservation?
    Department of Conservation is led by Lewis Sanson (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Nick Mayo (Chief Financial Officer) and Debi Webster (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Department of Conservation’s executive team?
    The executive team of Department of Conservation includes leaders such as Lewis Sanson (Chief Executive Officer), Nick Mayo (Chief Financial Officer), Debi Webster (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Department of Conservation have?
    Department of Conservation has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Department of Conservation’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Department of Conservation includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Information Officer, Chief People Officer.