Ian Dunn

I joined Wessex Archaeology as Chair of the Board in 2026. As Chair, I draw on my varied experiences, and mobilise the knowledge and expertise of fellow Trustees, to support the organisation. Through providing outstanding archaeological services, delivering on our charitable objectives and striving for excellence across all areas of our work, I firmly believe we can help to shape a better world.

My governance and leadership knowhow covers the corporate, charity, governmental, academic, and conservation worlds, as CEO, COO, Company President, strategist, and charity Trustee and Chair. I have led organisations from small start-ups to global enterprises with thousands of people and £billions in turnover.  

Following 25 years working with Shell and associated companies, and increasingly compelled by the urgency of the climate and nature crises, I moved into environmental and conservation leadership. Initially with the British Antarctic Survey, then as CEO of the Galapagos Conservation Trust. I later served as Chief Operating Officer of the University of Southampton, and as CEO of Plantlife International. In these roles, I helped shape and deliver strategies that put people, impact and delivery, based around climate, nature and social equity, at the heart of what these organisations do.  

Driven by a commitment to lifelong learning, I have added three master’s degrees, qualified as a yoga teacher and studied at leading business schools in the UK, US, and Europe.