Welcoming Leonardo Viana as Executive Director of 5 Gyres
By 5 Gyres Co-founder Anna Cummins
Dear 5 Gyres Community,
Fifteen years ago we began our journey with 5 Gyres, asking some questions about plastic pollution that we realized didn’t yet have answers. How much plastic is in the world’s oceans? Where is it? And most importantly, how can we leverage science to drive solutions?
A series of scrappy expeditions across the world’s oceans slowly began to grow, as an extraordinary community of scientists, advocates, and explorers joined us in sailing thousands of miles across the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, helping bring what was a nascent issue to the world’s attention.
15 years later, the movement has grown into a global effort to address what is now a defining environmental issue: plastic pollution in virtually every compartment of our planet - air, water, soil, food, animals, and our own bodies. Our understanding of plastic’s connection to climate change and environmental justice has expanded. The science has improved exponentially, our team at 5 Gyres has never been stronger, and our ability as a global movement to leverage science towards impact is more sophisticated.
Yet with all of this growth, the scale of the problem facing us has also intensified. This certainly isn’t the time to belabor the challenges before us, but it IS a time to acknowledge the need for deeper strategy, more collaboration, and a next set of milestones.
With this in mind, I’m thrilled to share that our Board of Directors has selected Leonardo Viana as our next Executive Director.
“As Chair of 5 Gyres’ Board (and as a proud fellow Brazilian) I couldn’t be more excited to welcome Leo Viana into this role. He brings an impressive combination of experience, passion, and commitment to conservation that will help lead 5 Gyres into its next chapter. After an incredible first 15 years shaped by our founders, this is a pivotal moment for the organization.”
Leo has a powerful background in environmental leadership and strategic vision, along with a deep commitment to conservation and an adventurous spirit. Throughout the search process, it became clear that he understands the urgency of this moment and the opportunity ahead, to strengthen 5 Gyres’ role as a leading voice advancing science-based solutions to plastic pollution.
This transition comes at a pivotal time. Public awareness of microplastics and human health is rapidly growing, and the need for trusted scientific leadership is critical. Under Leo’s leadership, 5 Gyres will continue expanding its work across key sectors, identifying sources of microplastic pollution, advancing policy, and building the partnerships needed to keep driving solutions.
Marcus and I will both continue supporting the organization through this transition and remain deeply connected to the mission and community that helped build 5 Gyres into what it is today.
Leadership transitions are always emotional, especially for founders. But they are also healthy. I genuinely believe Leo is the right person to help lead 5 Gyres into its next era, and I’m incredibly excited for what lies ahead.
Thank you to everyone who has supported us over these last 15 years, from our earliest expeditions to today’s growing movement for a planet free from plastic pollution.
Please join me in welcoming Leo to the 5 Gyres community!
With gratitude,
Anna