The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) has hired a new CEO, who will run the global organisation and its relationship with more then 300 members around the world.

Cress, who believes zoos have an increasingly important role to play, leaves behind his role of the past six years with the United Nations Environment Programme, where he was involved in initiatives to battle the illegal wildlife trade and encourage sustainable development to protect local ecosystems.

With the UN, Cress was programme coordinator for the Great Apes Survival Partnership (GRASP). The role involved finding partners and overseeing design and implementation, fundraising, and public awareness projects.

“Doug has a set of very strong skills and experience to successfully lead WAZA for the future,” said Susan Hunt, chair of the WAZA Council and CEO of Perth Zoo in Australia. “We are confident he can help WAZA and its members fulfil their mission to maximise their conservation impact and emphasise the important role they play in society.”

The global zoos and aquariums organisation, which assures the public of the quality of accredited attractions, shares best practices and research, and promotes species and habitat conservation around the world, chose Cress from a pool of over 300 applicants.

“I am honoured and excited by the opportunity to work with the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums,” said Cress. “These institutions not only guard the long-term future of some of the earth’s most endangered species, but they also contribute significant resources towards conservation of wildlife and wild spaces. Zoos and aquariums will increasingly become central to ensuring the world's biodiversity survives.”

Prior to his work with the UN, Cress worked for the Great Ape Project and then the Orangutan Conservancy, before joining the Pan African Sanctuary Alliance (PASA) in 2011. PASA provides primate rehabilitation across the continent.

Earlier in his career, Cress was a journalist with the Washington Post.