Professional History: Dr Theresia Ott is an accomplished sustainability leader. She relishes opportunities to apply her lateral thinking and problem-solving skills to the intersection of socio-economic and environmental challenges currently faced globally. With a doctorate in Natural Sciences and experience in both the civil society and business sides of environmental and natural resources management, Theresia is recognised as a values-driven expert in her field. As a respected business voice, she is frequently invited to speak and engage on topics relating to sustainability, particularly biodiversity, land management, and natural resource use at a variety of international forums facilitated by civil society organisations. Theresia is now supporting the development of nature-based solutions at Rio Tinto, using her influence in a variety of internal and external forums to challenge business-as-usual for a more inclusive economy. Prior to this role, she was Head of Environment also at Rio Tinto and before that, Principal Advisor, Group Environment.

Academic and professional credentials: MSc and PhD in Zoology, University of Pretoria
BSc & BSc Honours Zoology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University

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