Conservation and hospitality company, Wilderness, has appointed Joseph (Joe) Matome as Caretaker Managing Director of Wilderness Botswana, as of November 1.

With experience and skills in the conservation tourism industry, Matome will provide the guidance needed to lead the business over the next months while also playing a key role in searching for, and the appointment of, a substantive MD.

“Wilderness has chosen not to rush this process, to ensure that we find the right leader for this very special business. In the meantime, we are privileged to welcome Joe to our talented Botswana team, and to assist in finding the right candidate. Joe has a long history of trust and leadership in complex situations and this experience will be invaluable to Wilderness,” noted Kabelo Binns, Wilderness Botswana Board Chairman.

Matome is no stranger to the tourism and conservation sector having been the lead for the Debswana Tourism Project, Masedi Farming Initiatives and many others.

He is currently Chairperson of the Kalahari Conservation Society, the oldest and most influential Botswana-founded environmental organisation in the country.

Matome is also a member of the Board of Governors of the Mokolodi Wildlife Foundation and has held a number of board and related positions in the public and private sectors, such as acting Chairperson of the Finance Committee of the Botswana Qualifications Authority.

In September 2022, he was accepted by the Institute of Directors of South Africa as a Certified Director, where he is currently a member in good standing.