Howell appointed Director-General of Imperial War Museum

CARO HOWELL MBE will become the Imperial War Museum’s (IWM) Director-General next year.

She will succeed outgoing Director-General Dame DIANE LEES in May 2023.

Howell is currently Director of The Foundling Museum in London. She is a former Head of Education & Public Events at the Whitechapel Gallery, and was part of Tate Modern’s set-up team, where she created London’s first peer-led museum programme for 15–23-year-olds.

Howell currently co-chairs the Women Leaders in Museums Network and is also an advisor to several arts organisations and museums.

“I feel very honoured to be asked by the trustees of IWM to become the new Director-General,” Howell commented.

“Under Dame Diane Lees’ leadership, IWM has transformed the ways in which conflict and its impact are explored. IWM is unparalleled in its ability to trace complex ideas across centuries and continents, held in stories, objects and emotions that speak to us all.”

“At a time when the war in Ukraine is impacting the lives of millions around the world, IWM’s mission could not be more vital. I look forward to developing its reputation for reaching new audiences across all its sites, through bold, inclusive and global storytelling.”

DCMS Secretary of State MICHELLE DONELAN said: “I congratulate Caro Howell on her appointment. She brings a wealth of experience to the role and is well placed to continue Diane Lees’ excellent legacy.”