After more than a year of anticipation, the Monterey Bay Aquarium announced Feb. 17 it will appoint Jenny Gray to lead the organization as chief executive officer.
Gray is known in the zoo and aquarium industry for her work in animal ethics, welfare and conservation. She has been chief executive officer of Zoos Victoria in Australia since 2007, and served a two-year term as president of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
“The opportunity to lead Monterey Bay Aquarium provides a platform for me to contribute to ocean conservation, steward another iconic institution, and take on a new professional challenge,” Gray said in a press release. “Zoos Victoria will always hold a special place in my heart, and I leave with pride in our shared achievements and optimism for the future.”
The news comes over a year after founding director Julie Packard announced her retirement in January 2025. Gray will succeed Packard, the aquarium’s first and only executive director since it opened in 1984. Gray will start in May, and Packard will continue to serve on the aquarium’s board.
Gray brings extensive experience from her work with Zoos Victoria—a nonprofit statutory authority of the Victorian state government that manages Melbourne Zoo, Werribee Open Range Zoo, Healesville Sanctuary and Kyabram Fauna Park in Victoria, Australia—and beyond. She helped transform Zoos Victoria into a global conservation leader dedicated to fighting wildlife extinction through research and habitat protection.
Gray launched community mobilization campaigns on issues ranging from reducing plastics to demanding sustainable palm oil. Her contributions have been recognized with some of the sector’s highest honors, including Australia’s Public Service Medal, the Order of Australia Medal, and the San Diego Zoo Global Conservation Medal.
She has also played a pivotal role in global species recovery efforts through initiatives such as the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Reverse the Red, and her published work on ethics and animal welfare has shaped thinking across the profession. Gray holds master’s degrees in ethics, engineering, and business administration, and a Ph.D. in ethics from the University of Melbourne.
Her work at the Monterey Bay Aquarium will continue public awareness of ocean issues and marine life. Consistently ranked among the top aquariums in the world, it has attracted more than 752 million visitors—including more than 2.7 million students admitted free of charge for class visits and education programs.
“I can’t imagine a better person to come lead the aquarium’s next chapter,” Packard said. “We have a fantastic staff and volunteer team, a unique and powerful experience for our guests, and a critical mission to inspire conservation of the ocean. Under Jenny’s leadership, the aquarium’s future is brighter than ever. I trust she will carry on the spirit of innovation that has supported our vision of a future where the ocean flourishes and people thrive in a just and equitable world.”