Hanno Nusch

executive director - conservation

Hanno was first drawn to rhinos by their quiet strength and ancient beauty — relics of a wilder past, still wandering through a world that has changed around them, now facing senseless destruction.

What began as a heartfelt connection became a mission to challenge the system that places a higher price on their death than on their life. Early on, Hanno recognised that even the deepest love and passion wouldn’t be enough to protect rhinos unless we transform the economic model that fuels their poaching.

For Hanno, effective conservation must be grounded in both the Ubuntu philosophy — recognising the deep interconnection and mutual dependence between people and nature — and South Africa’s sustainable use approach, which ensures that wildlife brings tangible value to people.

He sees rhinos as ambassadors for change — unlocking opportunities to bring communities, land, and wildlife into harmony. Hanno strongly supports utilising the full conservation toolbox and enjoys being hands-on whenever needed, assisting directly with Rhino Revolution’s work on the ground.

With a background in sales at BMW and ERGO, and experience as an entrepreneur in the wedding industry, Hanno now works pro bono, advocating for rhino protection that is inclusive, sustainable, and future-focused.

Andreas nusCh

Executive Director – Education

Andreas brings over a decade of experience from his time working within the German government, coupled with a successful career in marketing since 2011. His extensive background in education, combined with a passion for nurturing the next generation, has made him an invaluable leader at Rhino Revolution. As Executive Director of Education, Andreas oversees the day-to-day management of all educational initiatives, ensuring they are closely aligned with the goals of sustainable development.

His commitment to youth education is evident in his work with local communities near Kruger National Park, where he leads programmes that foster environmental stewardship and conservation awareness. In addition, as Managing Director of Rhino Revolution Europe, Andreas plays a key role in strengthening ties between the South African team and its European counterpart, driving international collaboration and support for wildlife conservation efforts.

Monika Boulanger

operations

Having worked in the corporate world for most of her career, Monika gained vast experience in marketing, sales and events but her passion has always been to give back to the community and assist those who cannot speak for themselves.

Monika and her husband have a love for the bush and wildlife conservation, always managing to have properties in private nature reserves in various parts of SA. They finally found their happy place in Hoedspruit since the end of 2020 and after being involved with various charities and NPO's, Monika found her niche with Rhino Revolution and is looking forward to be assisting an amazing team for many years to come.

Karabo Chiloane

Community Outreach Manager

Karabo began working with Rhino Revolution in 2016, as an Environmental Monitor, through the Kruger To Canyon Biosphere Initiative. She initially worked with the Orphanage & Rehabilitation team, helping to look after the rescued rhinos and pangolins.

She has since been promoted, and having gained her PDP (minibus) driving licence, she is now Rhino Revolution’s Community Outreach Manager. Karabo is responsible for running our educational programmes in local schools as well as organising the outings to Kruger for young people from the local communities.

Phillip Vivier

field manager

Phillip has worked in conservation since 2013, focusing on wildlife rehabilitation, working with various wildlife. He feels privileged to be in the bush and to make a difference in protecting our nature for future generations. He studied nature guiding, courses in wildlife rehabilitation and game farm management amongst other conservation courses. He fell completely in love with nature; making it his mission in life to save as much of nature as possible.

Phillip also loves to educate and share his knowledge about wildlife with others; “as people don’t save what they don’t understand”.

Admire Ndlovu

Community Outreach Assistant

Admire started working with Rhino Revolution in 2019 as an Environmental Monitor through the Kruger to Canyon biosphere initiative. She initially worked with the rehabilitation team at the orphanage, helping to look after rescued rhinos and also doing mounted horse patrols.

During her time as an Environmental Monitor she did a few courses: basic fire-fighting, animal poisoning, first aid level 1 and health and safety. She was then employed at Rhino Revolution as a permanent staff member from April 2022 due to her hard work and dedication as an outreach coordinator assistant.

Sophie Barrett

Volunteer Programme coordinator and socia media - Volunteer

Sophie has loved wildlife since before she could walk. She has been a regular visitor to South Africa working with conservation projects since 2013. In 2018 Sophie joined the Rhino Revolution family as our Volunteer Pangolin Project co-ordinator and has since been actively involved in many areas of Rhino Revolution life. 

Sophie is a qualified Field Guide and loves to share her passion for conservation with all those she meets. As a guide she has been lucky enough to spend countless hours tracking and observing wild rhinos and cannot bear the thought that we might see these incredible animals disappear within our own lifetime. She is determined to make a difference and to help ensure that Rhinos have a future alongside humans.

Phil Ovens

Non-executive director

Phil was former CEO and Chair of Rhino Revolution for 5 years – helping the NGO grow in impact and reach.  Phil provided invaluable advice to the Rhino Revolution team, enabling the organization to grow from strength to strength. 

Prior to relocating to Hoedspruit, Phil spent 40 years in the corporate world, with his career culminating as Managing Director of Pepperdew.  He has considerable business, management and financial skills. 

Corné Havenga

Non-executive director

Corné is an innovative and dynamic management & business teaching professional with extensive knowledge in both the education and non-profit sectors. As a purpose driven individual, she is passionate about driving change and making a positive impact on society.

With a strong background in education Corné brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our non-profit organisation. Her dedication to conservation and education aligns perfectly with our mission, and we are thrilled to have her as a member of our board of directors.

Throughout her career, Corné has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and commitment to excellence. We are confident that her contributions to the organisation will be invaluable as we work together to achieving our goals.

Dr. Annette Hübschle

Non-executive director

Dr. Annette Hübschle is an internationally recognized expert on the illegal wildlife trade, community engagement and environmental crime. Her PhD, completed at the Max Planck Institute and the University of Cologne, explored the drivers behind rhino poaching and how these are embedded in broader social and economic systems. As Chief Research Officer at the University of Cape Town, she co-leads the Global Risk Governance Programme and heads its Environmental and Planetary Futures Research Group. Annette brings invaluable expertise and deep insight into the social dimensions of conservation, advocating for people-centered, justice-based approaches to wildlife protection. Her work deepens our understanding of the complex realities on the ground and helps shape more effective, inclusive conservation strategies.

Mark Gainsborough

Non-executive director & chairman

Mark was the Executive Vice President for New Energies at Shell, based in The Netherlands, developing low-carbon solutions such as renewable power, biofuels and electric mobility. He has a long standing interest in environmental issues and sustainable development with a masters degree in Environmental Policy. He is working with a number of major conservation organisations to develop natural climate sinks (for example reforestation) to help reduce CO2 in the atmosphere. His interest in Rhino conservation came through his wife Jennifer, one of the founders of a game reserve close the the RR orphanage and both have supported the RR cause in recent years. As a trustee, he hopes to be able to use his international experience of business and sustainability to help increase the reach and impact of Rhino Revolution.

Kevin Leo-Smith

Non-executive director

Kevin’s career has taken him on a journey through agriculture, wildlife conservation, tech and climate change mitigation. He brings a wealth of experience to the team from both the commercial and non-profit sectors having worked in both across not just South but Sub-Saharan Africa.

Kevin’s passion for wildlife combined with his experience in building the value of iconic species within landscapes whilst focussing on sustainability brings a deep insight into matters of nature conservation together with a unique set of skills and perspective making Kevin an invaluable addition to the Rhino Revolution team.