More than 1,000 recipients have been awarded honours for their outstanding contributions across all sectors and parts of the UK, including Vogue’s Dame Anna Wintour and author Sir Ian McEwan.
Speaking of his recognition, Charlie said; “I’m blown away and feel very lucky to be recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours for my contribution to conservation & communities in Africa, but know that Tusk’s success has been dependent on the hard work & commitment of the charity’s fantastic team“
Educated at Wellington College, Charlie Mayhew spent two years travelling and working in South Africa, Switzerland and Australia. After returning home, he started work as a Lloyds Marine Insurance Broker with Willis Faber & Dumas Ltd. In 1985 he set up and led the Young Europe Africa Expedition. The 33 strong team crossed the Sahara and travelled through the Congo before arriving in Kenya, where it undertook a series of conservation and community projects filmed for Channel 4 TV documentary. The 7-month adventure concluded in Cape Town. Upon his return, Mayhew was elected a Fellow of The Royal Geographical Society.
After working for a small boutique financial services firm, Charlie formed his own financial service business, which he later sold to the St James’s Place Group. In 1990 he co-founded Tusk and, as part of the stimulus for doing so, he co-produced the feature film ‘Lost in Africa’– a drama that sought to highlight the ivory trade.
Under Charlie’s stewardship, Tusk has since grown into a highly respected UK conservation NGO with HRH The Prince of Wales as an active and engaged Royal Patron. 2010, Charlie has accompanied the Prince on a number of overseas trips, including most recently his trips to visit Tusk supported projects in Namibia and Tanzania.
With Charlie at the helm for over 30 years, Tusk has boosted an impressive range of successful conservation projects across more than 20 countries. These initiatives have not only increased vital protection for more than 40 different threatened species, but have also contributed to poverty reduction through sustainable development and education amongst rural communities living alongside wildlife. Tusk partners with the most effective local organisations, investing in their in-depth knowledge and expertise. By supporting and nurturing their conservation programmes, Tusk helps to accelerate growth from an innovative idea to a scalable solution. The charity, which has Prince William as its Royal Patron, has invested over $100m into African conservation since its founding in 1990.
Charlie also sits on the Board of the Ernest Kleinwort Charitable Trust. He lives in Wiltshire with his wife and four children.