For Jochen Gutzy, being an ambassador for the Olive Ridley Project (ORP) is more than just a volunteer role – it’s a deeply personal commitment that began with a single, unforgettable encounter.
During a trip to the Maldives in April 2026, Jochen and his wife Juan discovered ORP while visiting one of its sea turtle care centres. There, they met Karaa, a rescued male olive ridley turtle, whose story left a lasting impression on them. Seeing him up close – his vulnerability, resilience and the care he was receiving from ORP was a moment that changed how they saw the ocean and its inhabitants.
What started as admiration quickly turned into action. Moved by Karaa’s story, Jochen and Juan chose to adopt and support his ongoing care. But for Jochen, inspiration didn’t stop there. With a career spanning nearly three decades in public relations, he recognised an opportunity to do more – to use his voice and expertise to help bring global attention to the fragile future of sea turtles.
Today, as an ORP ambassador, Jochen is committed to telling stories of sea turtles like Karaa, of the broader challenges the species face, and of the dedicated work ORP is doing around the world to protect them.
Professionally, Jochen brings a wealth of experience to ORP’s mission. Trained as an economist with a solid background in journalism, he has worked across media, consulting, agencies, and corporations, helping organisations navigate growth, transformation, and special situations. Jochen is currently serving as the Chief Communications Officer at Birkenstock, leading global corporate communications for the company. Prior to that, he was the Director of Corporate Communications for Germany and Austria at L’Oréal.
Now, Jochen is channeling his expert experience towards a different kind of impact – helping ensure that the story of sea turtles becomes one of protection and survival.
