The European Cultural Foundation has announced André Wilkens as director following Katherine Watson’s retirement, after twelve years of service, initially as director LabforCulture, and then almost a decade as director.

‘Katherine has led the Foundation’s development and contributed substantially to its broad European outreach, growth and progress. Under her guidance the organisation has developed programmes for cultural change focusing on strengthening civil society actors. Mobility, exchange and cross-sectoral connections with culture at the core have taken flight during the period that she was at the helm of the Foundation’, says Rien van Gendt, deputy chair of the supervisory board, adding: ‘Katherine’s unwavering commitment to the work of the Foundation has greatly enhanced its influence and success.’

André Wilkens will replace Ms Watson commencing 15 November 2018. Mr Wilkens has extensive knowledge of and experience in the non-profit, philanthropic, private and public sector in Europe, inlicuding roles at the Open Society Institute and Stiftung Mercator.

‘André brings great skill, creativity and energy to the position of director, and we look forward to working with him to build on the Foundation’s achievements to date,’ says Rien van Gendt.

He is also an experienced advocate at European and international levels. Mr Wilkens is the author of two successful books and various essay collections. He will remain on the board of Die Offene Gesellschaft which he co-founded in 2016.