ICOM announces Director General

The International Council of Museums (ICOM) has appointed MEDEA EKNER as its new Director General.

Ekner takes up post at the organisation, which establishes professional and ethical standards for museum activities, with immediate effect.

With over 25 years of experience in the art and museum sector in Sweden and New Zealand, Ekner has held roles including Museum Developer and Art Curator at Borås Kulturhistoriska and Consultant Exhibition Producer at The National Museums of World Culture, Sweden.

She was made interim Director General of ICOM in June 2023 after serving as Vice-Chairperson of its Advisory Council. She was previously Chair of ICOM Sweden and a member of the ICOM Nord Regional Alliance Board.  

She is a current Board Member of Blue Shield and the European Museum Forum.

ICOM President EMMA NARDI said: “ICOM values its historical heritage but also recognises the need for a renewed institution that adapts to today’s world. I am convinced that Medea Ekner, as Director General, is the ideal person to preserve our traditions and drive innovation.”

Commenting on the role, Ekner added: “I’m honoured by the continued trust from the ICOM Executive Board, humbled to accept this responsibility, and excited to fulfil the goals and missions, as well as to meet the challenges, of a global organisation in transition.

“I am delighted to lead ICOM into the next phase of its transformation, addressing the needs of the museum network and of a rapidly changing society. Digital transformation is a priority, along with enhancing the organisation’s response to global challenges that impact cultural heritage and the communities affected by it.”