A new year has sprung from the hope and ashes of 2009. It’s a perfect opportunity for us to introduce you to Kumi Naidoo – the new leader of Greenpeace internationally. Kumi is also the first African to take on the job as Executive Director of Greenpeace International.

In a recent interview with the BBC, Kumi spoke about his early days as an activist in South Africa campaigning against apartheid. He talks about his joy upon hearing news of Nelson Mandela’s release, and how that prompted him to return home from London and help prepare Mandela’s party for election.

Listen to the interview below.