Jennifer Francis is no stranger to the world of first rate international museums. As the friendly face of the Royal Academy in London she has always been a welcome leader of the early morning press conferance.
The Philadelphia Museum of Art have now announced the appointment of Ms Francis as the Museum’s new Executive Director of Marketing. She will take up her new duties in mid August. Francis currently serves as Head of Press and Marketing at the Royal Academy of Arts, where she has worked for the past eight and a half years and made significant contributions to the success of its exhibitions program; increased visitor attendance figures; led effective corporate communications and advocacy for the institution; built high public and media awareness; delivered comprehensive marketing solutions organization wide; and, enhanced its reputation as a premier cultural destination and consistent, strong voice for art and artists in London. “I am pleased to welcome Jennifer to our senior management team,” said Timothy Rub, the George D. Widener Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. “She will bring a wealth of experience to the task of leading our marketing and communications efforts and is widely admired by her peers in the field both in this country and abroad. In our initial conversations and, indeed, throughout the process of finding an individual who would meet our needs, I was deeply impressed by her enthusiasm, her passion for the arts, and the creativity she brings to her work.” In her new position, Francis will oversee the Museum’s Marketing and Communications Division, which is responsible for a number of related functions, including marketing, communications, editorial services, graphic design, and special events. She will also be responsible for developing a comprehensive marketing and communications plan for the Museum and coordinating its implementation across the entire institution, as well as playing a key role in shaping communications strategies for a new capital campaign currently in the early stages of planning. “I am absolutely delighted to be joining the Philadelphia Museum of Art at such a significant time,” explained Francis. “Its world-renowned collection and broad range of programs are extremely impressive. For this reason I feel deeply honored to take this role and am particularly looking forward both to contributing positively to the strategic vision of the organization and to working with such talented and impressive colleagues. It is, of course, with deep sadness that I depart from the Royal Academy of Arts, but I am proud of my record of achievement and the impact that I have been able to make on such an august institution in my time here. Philadelphia is an immensely appealing city. I am thrilled to be coming on board at such an exciting time in its history and pleased that I shall be able to play a part in promoting one of its finest cultural institutions.” Before joining the staff of the Royal Academy of Arts, Francis served as Director of Communication at the Drum Art Centre; Head of Media Relations at the Royal College of Art; Head of Media Relations at the Victoria and Albert Museum; and as Public Relations Executive for LAPADA. She has also provided consulting services to a number of leading cultural organizations in Great Britain, including Channel Four Television, South Bank Centre, London Tourist Board and the Royal Opera House. A graduate of City University, Francis recently received an MA in Cultural Leadership and Policy Management. She is a member of the Arts Marketing Association, National Museums Directors Conference Marketing Committee, and currently sits on the board of the Arts Council England – London Region.