David Mayer de Rothschild

British Environmentalist, Eco-Adventurer, Founder of The Lost Explorer, Chairman of Voice for Nature Foundation

David Mayer de Rothschild’s Biography:

David Mayer de Rothschild is a British environmentalist, eco-adventurer and keynote speaker renowned for his work championing sustainability and climate awareness. He is the Chairman and Trustee of the Voice for Nature Foundation, Founder of The Lost Explorer, and the creator of the pioneering ‘Plastiki’ recycled-plastic expedition vessel. Through exploration, storytelling and environmental activism, David has built a reputation as one of the world’s most influential sustainability advocates, inspiring organisations and individuals to take meaningful action in protecting the planet.

Born in London in 1978, David grew up in the prominent Rothschild family but chose to pursue his own path focused on environmental change rather than finance. After attending Harrow School, he studied at Oxford Brookes University, earning a BSc (Hons) in Political Science and Information Systems, before completing an Advanced Diploma in Natural Medicine at the College of Naturopathic Medicine in London. David demonstrated entrepreneurial ambition early, founding Personal Print, a digital merchandising business for bands and brands, before selling the venture and shifting his focus towards environmental initiatives and exploration.

David’s reputation grew through ambitious expeditions designed to highlight global environmental challenges. In 2006 he spent over 100 days crossing the Arctic from Russia to Canada, becoming the youngest British person to reach both geographical poles. He had already become one of only a handful of explorers to traverse Antarctica and was part of the team that achieved the world-record fastest crossing of the Greenland ice cap. In 2010 he launched the groundbreaking ‘Plastiki’ expedition, sailing a 60-foot catamaran constructed from approximately 12,500 recycled plastic bottles across the Pacific Ocean from San Francisco to Sydney to raise awareness of ocean pollution. Alongside these expeditions, David founded Adventure Ecology, Mapct.it, and later The Lost Explorer, while also building a portfolio as an author, filmmaker and sustainability campaigner. His environmental leadership has been recognised with honours including being named a Climate Hero by the United Nations Environment Programme, a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, and an Emerging Explorer by National Geographic.

Why Hire David Mayer de Rothschild?

Today David is widely respected as an engaging keynote speaker who blends adventure, science and storytelling to communicate the urgency of environmental action. Drawing on decades of expeditions, entrepreneurial ventures and advocacy work, he delivers talks on sustainability leadership, climate change, innovation and humanity’s relationship with nature. David’s presentations encourage audiences to rethink their role in protecting the planet while demonstrating how bold ideas and collaboration can drive real environmental progress. Organisations invite David to speak because he transforms complex environmental challenges into powerful, motivating narratives that inspire practical action and long-term change.

David Mayer de Rothschild’s Career Highlights:

Here are some of the key milestones that define David Mayer de Rothschild’s distinguished environmentalist career:

• 2025 – Advanced the “ReWild Yourself” initiative through the Voice for Nature Foundation, creating community nature hubs in the UK
• 2025 – Expanded The Lost Explorer brand with the development of a new tequila in collaboration with master distiller Enrique de Colsa
• 2023 – Appointed Honorary Chairman of Rothschild & Co
• 2020 – Featured in the “Gucci Off The Grid” sustainability campaign
• 2017 – Producer of the film ‘Becoming Bond’
• 2014 – Founded The Lost Explorer lifestyle and environmental brand
• 2012 – Founded Mapct.it and developed the series ‘Eco Trip: The Real Cost of Living’
• 2011 – Recipient of the Honorary Award at the German Sustainability Awards
• 2011 – Author of the book ‘Plastiki’
• 2010 – Delivered the TEDx talk “Tackling Our Nature Deficiency Disorder”
• 2010 – Launched and sailed the Plastiki recycled-plastic expedition vessel across the Pacific Ocean
• 2009 – Named a Climate Hero by the United Nations Environment Programme
• 2008 – Winner of the Kids’ Choice Awards UK Greenie Award
• 2007 – Author of ‘The Live Earth Global Warming Survival Handbook’
• 2006 – Youngest British person to reach both geographical poles after Arctic expedition