Stephanie Ockenden is a Senior Associate and Global Ocean Policy Lead. In this role, Steph will lead the policy-related work for WRI’s Ocean Program to promote knowledge-based decision making and solutions for the ocean that benefit people, nature and the economy.

Stephanie is a passionate environmental professional and strategic analytical leader with 17 years of experience in economist and policy leadership roles across the UK Civil Service and internationally at the OECD. Building on her BA in Economics from the University of Cambridge and MSc in the Economics for Development from the University of Oxford, Stephanie thrives on working at the policy to evidence interface, with applied skills in strategy, negotiations, policy and analysis, across domestic and international environmental policy, including on ocean, climate change, and environmental finance. Career highs include providing analysis of the UK’s first Carbon Budgets at the Climate Change Committee, leading the first OECD report to assess Climate Finance in the context of the $100bn goal, and establishing the UK’s ocean action agenda under the UK’s COP26 and G7 Presidencies - where prior to joining WRI Stephanie most recently led the Ocean and Climate Change Policy and International Evidence team at the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Stephanie enjoys leading interdisciplinary teams to draw on the best available evidence to inform strategy, through to solutions and outcomes, and is energised by challenge, community and collaboration.

Outside work Stephanie loves being out in nature – from outdoor yoga, to a good hike and occasional offshore sailing.