As Chief Executive Officer of Free the Bears, Matt leads the organisation's conservation, rescue and sanctuary programmes across Asia, working in partnership with governments, communities and conservation organisations to protect threatened bear species. He oversees the development and management of world-class bear sanctuaries, supports the training and professional development of local wildlife care teams, and guides the organisation's strategic growth, fundraising and international partnerships.

Matt is a strong advocate for evidence-based conservation and believes that lasting protection for wildlife can only be achieved through a combination of strengthened law enforcement, community engagement and environmental education. Throughout his career, he has worked closely with government agencies to improve wildlife protection measures and strengthen responses to wildlife crime.

An active member of the IUCN SSC Bear Specialist Group, Matt currently serves as Co-Chair of the Asiatic Black Bear Expert Team and is a former Co-Chair of the Captive Bears Expert Team.

His leadership continues to drive Free the Bears' mission to protect, rescue and care for bears while supporting broader wildlife conservation efforts across Asia.