Alistair Hardaker
Image: London Zoo (CC BY-SA 3.0 Chmee2)
Operator of London and Whipsnade Zoo says Gould resigned amid an independent investigation into “unacceptable work behaviour”
The CEO of the wildlife charity which operates London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo has resigned.
The Zoological Society of London told Advisor that Matthew Gould had resigned amid an independent investigation into claims of “unacceptable workplace behaviour”.
Gould resigned before the investigation had concluded, it said. A spokesperson declined to expand on the content of the investigation.
Kathryn England, formerly COO, has been appointed interim CEO throughout 2026.
A ZSL spokesperson said: “We are committed to living up to our values at every level of the organisation, and ensuring a safe, respectful and inclusive workplace for everyone.”
Gould was appointed CEO of Zoological Society of London in September 2022, having previously served in leadership roles at the NHS. He has previously served as the government’s Director General for Digital and Media Policy, British Ambassador to Israel, and the UK government’s Director of Cyber Security.
Gould could not be reached for comment.
