Overview
- The alliance announced the appointment on Oct. 23 following an extensive global search led by Korn Ferry, with Dixon moving up after seven months as interim CEO.
- Dixon previously served nearly a decade as chief operating officer, overseeing day-to-day operations across the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.
- He helped deliver major capital projects including Conrad Prebys Africa Rocks, Walkabout Australia, and Denny Sanford Wildlife Explorers Basecamp.
- Denny Sanford Elephant Valley, described as the organization’s largest project, is scheduled to open at the Safari Park in early 2026.
- Alliance leaders emphasized his role in connecting global conservation work to roughly 5.5 million annual visitors and noted his service on local business and tourism boards.