JENNIFER FRANCIS is the first Director of External Affairs at the Museum of London.
The new role will see Francis spearhead the museum’s communications, digital innovation and development teams, alongside supporting a new organisational strategy to increase annual visitor numbers and engage more young people.
Francis' appointment follows the closure of the museum’s London Wall site in December last year, as it prepares to relocate to Smithfield. The museum is expected to reopen in 2026 under a new name, The London Museum.
With entrepreneurial experience in the culture and heritage sector, Francis joins from the Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, New Jersey, where she was Director of Brand and Marketing.
Prior to this, she held executive and senior leadership roles at a range of organisations including Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. She was also Head of Press and Marketing at Royal Academy of Arts for eight years.
Francis is a trustee of Ironbridge Gorge Museums Trust and Chair of the Marketing and Sales Committee, as well as an Advisory Board Member at Attenborough Arts Centre.
Museum of London Director SHARON AMENT said she is “more than delighted” Francis is joining.
“In the run up to opening a world-class city museum in the heart of London’s historic centre, her energy, experience, creativity and flair will be a huge asset.”
Francis added: “As a proud Londoner, I’m honoured to take up this role at the Museum of London and look forward to playing a leading part in delivering its game-changing vision to become one of the most well-known cultural destinations in the UK and worldwide.”