Sea Shepherd Announces Mexico Country Director

February 6 2024 Mexico City, Mexico -Sea Shepherd Conservation Society today announced that Julian Escutia-Rodriguez, a career diplomat with over 20 years of experience in international and public policy affairs, has become the first Mexico Country Director for the ocean-based conservation organization. Julian will lead the collaboration with key government agencies around multiple conservation campaigns focused on the Vaquita Porpoise and Totoaba, the Caretta caretta Turtleand many other species.

"It is a privilege to represent such a respected organization in the protection of our environment," Julian said upon joining Sea Shepherd. "My focus will be to bring together all of Sea Shepherd's campaigns, from Revillagigedo to Guadalupe Island and the Upper Gulf of California and more, into a broad coalition of Mexican agencies, organizations and individuals who are willing to defend our oceans."

Sea Shepherd CEO Pritam Singh welcomed Julian onto the senior management team, saying "Julian's new role will build on the incredible foundation of trust and respect we have established with the Mexican Navy and other agencies in our shared conservation world. We are thrilled that he is bringing his experience and exemplary public service to the cause of protecting endangered marine wildlife."

Julian started his career at the Institute for Mexicans Abroad of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs then joined the Mexican Foreign Service. In 2008 he was transferred to the Consulate General of Mexico in Houston where he was Consul for Community Affairs. From 2010 to 2016 he worked at the Embassy of Mexico in the United States as Regional Affairs Officer and Head of the Consular Coordination and from 2016 to 2019 he was the Chief of Staff to the Undersecretary for North America. In 2019 he was appointed Director General for Protection of Mexicans Abroad, and most recently was Consul of Mexico in Las Vegas from 2020 to January 2024.