NRF-SAEON welcomes new Managing Director

The National Research Foundation (NRF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Ashley Naidoo as Managing Director of the South African Environmental Observation Network (NRF-SAEON), effective 1 October 2026.

Dr Naidoo joins the NRF from CapeNature, where he served as Chief Executive Officer of the Western Cape’s nature conservation entity. He brings to the role nearly three decades of leadership and experience in the environmental science and policy sectors. Prior to joining CapeNature, Dr Naidoo served as Chief Director: Oceans and Coasts Research within the Oceans and Coasts Branch of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE).

His career began in academia as an Associate Lecturer at the then University of Durban-Westville, now the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Dr Naidoo has contributed to the design of large multi-stakeholder data systems, policy briefs and scientific publications. He has presented and negotiated at several national and international forums and served on a number of boards and committees, contributing his expertise to the advancement of environmental science, research, and conservation. 

Says Dr Naidoo, “SAEON is positioned as a leading earth observation, data and science offering for the country. I look forward to contributing to the NRF’s impact and contributing meaningfully to NRF-SAEON’s work.”

NRF Acting CEO, Dr Angus Paterson, says, “We are delighted to welcome Dr Naidoo to the NRF and wish him success as he takes up this important leadership role.”