The Levine Family Foundation (LFF) is a philanthropic organisation seeking to address the catastrophic stresses marine life currently faces, in the hope that our oceans can thrive again as they once did. Through our research the foundation has connected with scientists, conservationists, lawyers, policymakers, activists and grant makers. Together, we are working to reverse the current spiralling trends which so threaten our oceans and the survival of the billions who depend on it. Set up in 2018, LFF is a UK registered charity with a wide geographical remit. The Levine Family Foundation is born from the philanthropy of Miranda and Ben Levine.
Miranda is a biology graduate and a keen diver. She grew up in Belgium and Luxembourg before moving to the UK. Miranda worked in media recruitment for 10 years and then moved to Hong Kong where she spent seven years. She now lives in Zurich, Switzerland with her husband Ben, their three children (Lucas, Gabriel and Ivy) and two dogs (Bob and Jeff).
Ben has a BA in Economics and an MSc in Econometrics. He worked at Goldman Sachs for 10 years, UBS for 2 years and has since been CEO of LMR Partners (2009 onwards). Ben comes from an equity trading background and now specialises in quantitive trading. He is a keen and experienced diver.
Julie grew up in the Far East when Singapore was still covered by jungle and lived in Europe for many years. She is a philosophy graduate who worked in various sectors including financial services, business software marketing and monitoring linguistic software developments for the EU. She is now retired and lives by the sea in Sussex. She is a lover of animals and nature and a keen botanist.
Kathy was a University lecturer in Computer Science and Director of Marketing and Communications for the University. Since retiring she has been a local Councillor and lead on financial performance and contracts management. She has a strong interest in education and research and how it can support the work of the Levine Family Foundation.
Melissa grew up in Asia where she became very involved in conservation issues. She moved to London in the late 90s to complete a BSc in Geography. After a short stint in corporate events and hospitality, she set-up a foundation in India for 2 years which delivered environmental and health projects. Since then she has lived in London and worked in a variety of NGOs focusing on homelessness, international development, disability, global health and environmental conservation.
Nina has a background in grant-making and research grant administration, most recently working for the University of Birmingham and before that the National Lottery Community Fund. She loves the natural world and is concerned about environmental issues. She joined the Levine Family Foundation in April 2023, and is excited to be working with colleagues and organisations which support ocean conversation and restoration.
Chuck is the Executive Director for Oceans 5 and coordinates on behalf of its Partners and Members. Prior to joining Oceans 5, he served in senior positions with federal and state governments, as well as nonprofit and philanthropic organizations. Chuck is viewed as a thoughtful, results-oriented manager with 30 years of experience in the field.
Bryony has worked for over 20 years on environmental issues including a focus on climate change and energy. She has worked in variety of fields including not-for-profit/charity, energy industry, civil service, philanthropy and since 2011 as a law maker in the House of Lords.