Welsh Mountain Zoo appoint new Senior Leadership Team to spearhead ambitious growth and development plans

The Welsh Mountain Zoo – charitable organisation and National Zoo of Wales, has revealed details of its final Senior Leadership Team appointments, consolidating the organisation’s new internal structure as the Zoo begins the roll out of its epic ten-year growth and expansion plan.

A six strong team will work alongside CEO, Chris Mitchell, bringing together a hugely dynamic and knowledgeable group to lead as the Zoo begins its new chapter.

Hannah Slaney joins the Zoo as Head of Animals, alongside Laura-Anne Innes, Head of Capital Projects, and Non Jones, Head of Guest Services. New team members join and Kim Wood, Director of Living Collections, Michaella Brannan, Acting Commercial Director and Andrew Marshall, Head of Operations forming a dynamic SLT.

Head of Animals, Hannah Slaney joins from Colchester Zoo and is responsible for managing the Zoo Keepers, whilst overseeing the day-to-day welfare of the many animal residents. An incredibly varied role, Hannah is ultimately responsible for the welfare and care of the animals, from managing vet liaison to diet reviews, development of new animal enrichment ideas, staff recruitment, enclosure development, and so much more!

Laura-Anne Innes, Head of Capital Projects began her career in Quantity Surveying, delivering vital infrastructure projects. A passion for wildlife led her to seek volunteer opportunities alongside work in the built environment, securing a role at Yorkshire Wildlife Park as Project Cost Manager. Laura-Anne's career and experience has since evolved across the UK, working with leading organisations to manage the design and delivery of major projects.

Laura Anne joins the Zoo from the Zoological Society of London where she was Head of Capital Projects, working across both London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo on a portfolio of high-impact capital projects.

Non Jones, Head of Guest Services take on this exciting, newly created role, ensuring every visitor enjoys a memorable and engaging visit to the Zoo, also helping guests leave feeling inspired by the Zoo’s mission of education and protecting wildlife. Non owns a strong background in tourism and retail, enjoying similar roles at Zip World and Greenwood Forest Park, her skills and experience offering the perfect attributes for her new role.   

Chris Mitchell, CEO at the Welsh Mountain Zoo commented: “I’m incredibly pleased to welcome these new members to the SLT. We now have in place a brilliant group of experts whose individual experience, knowledge and understanding of their chosen specialism will help guide us as we enter an exciting phase of growth and expansion.

“Together, alongside our Board, we have formulated an ambitious ten year plan which will see plenty of exciting developments across the Zoo. We look forward to sharing details of this imminently and are currently finalising details.”