France Desmarais joins Brunswick Group as a Partner and Head of Brunswick Arts in the Gulf | Brunswick Group
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France Desmarais joins Brunswick Group as a Partner and Head of Brunswick Arts in the Gulf

Brunswick Arts strengthens senior management team in the Gulf.

Brunswick Group, the world’s leading critical issues advisory firm, today announced that France Desmarais has joined the Abu Dhabi office as a Partner and Head of Brunswick Arts in the Gulf.   

France brings more than 20 years of international experience in the global arts and culture sector. Most recently, she was Senior Museums Director of the Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA), where she led the strategy for the creation of new museums in and around a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Prior to this, she was the Founding Scientific Director and Deputy Executive Director of the International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage in Conflict Areas (ALIPH) in Geneva, and Director of Programmes and Partnerships at the International Council of Museums (ICOM) in Paris.

France will play a key role in further strengthening Brunswick Arts in the Gulf, providing counsel to clients on a range of critical issues facing the arts and culture sector.

Neal Wolin, Chief Executive Officer, said: “France has a wealth of international experience and an extensive global network that will be enormously valuable to clients. I look forward to working with her and the wider team as we continue to grow Brunswick Arts in the Gulf and around the world.” 

On joining Brunswick, France Desmarais said: “I am very excited to be joining the talented Brunswick Arts team. My previous experience leading and developing museums and cultural institutions on four continents has prepared me for this important role. I look forward to strategically contributing to the vibrant, artistic dynamic in the region and beyond.”

About France Desmarais

France joins Brunswick from the Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) where, as Senior Museums Director, she led the creation of new museums in Riyadh. Specifically, she developed the Cultural Asset Class Strategy part of the Diriyah Gate Masterplan and led At-Turaif, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Museum. Prior to this, she was the Founding Scientific Director and Deputy Executive Director of the International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage in Conflict Areas (ALIPH) in Geneva, and Director of Programmes and Partnerships at the International Council of Museums (ICOM) in Paris. France began her career at the McCord Museum in Montreal where she held a number of roles, including Head of Strategic Initiatives, where one of her projects received a Prize of Excellence from the Canadian Museums Association. 

France also served on a number of Board of Directors, including the YMCAs of Quebec, and is a member of the British Council’s Cultural Protection Fund Advisory Group.

About Brunswick Group

Brunswick is a strategic advisory firm focused on critical issues and critical stakeholders. Our purpose is to help our clients play their role in the world successfully. We advise on critical issues and critical stakeholders at the center of business, politics and society, and help our clients – the leaders of large, complex organizations – understand and navigate these interconnected worlds. Brunswick is one firm globally, operating as a single profit center. This allows us to respond seamlessly and effectively to clients’ needs wherever they are in the world.

For more information, visit: www.brunswickgroup.com.

Contact
Name: Peter Dillon
Title: Managing Partner, Brunswick Arts
Email: [email protected]