The Courtauld Institute of Art is delighted to announce that Dr. Tzo Zen Ang, currently Chief Operating Officer at the Royal Academy of Arts, has been appointed as its first Managing Director. This newly created role, focusing on the operational management of The Courtauld as it delivers an ambitious transformation programme, will see Tzo Zen joining the Senior Management Team and reporting to the Märit Rausing Director, Professor Deborah Swallow.
The appointment comes at a key moment in the institution’s history, as it undergoes a major, multi-million-pound redevelopment, the biggest project of its kind since The Courtauld moved to Somerset House in 1989. Courtauld Connects, supported by £9.4m from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and donations from generous philanthropic foundations and individual supporters, will make The Courtauld’s world-class artworks, research and teaching accessible to even more people, and includes the current extensive restoration of its Grade I listed building at Somerset House.
Tzo Zen joined the Royal Academy in 2014, to implement transformational changes in the lead up to the RA’s 250th anniversary and major capital redevelopment project. As Chief Operating Officer she was responsible for strategy, finance, estates and facilities, technology, and people. Prior to the RA, Tzo Zen worked at the Royal Opera House and the management consultancy McKinsey and Company, where she advised clients across a wide range of industries on organisation and strategy matters. She holds a PhD from the University of Cambridge.
In her new role at The Courtauld, Tzo Zen will focus on the operational management of The Courtauld, particularly the key functions of Development, Marketing and Communications, Operations, People and Courtauld Connects. The role will help The Courtauld continue to build on founder Samuel Courtauld’s belief in the importance of “art for all”, and ensure that The Courtauld delivers against an ambitious set of strategic objectives, which include growing gallery audiences; continuing to attract and support a high-quality, inclusive student body; broadening the impact of academic research; building on existing partnerships and establishing new strategic relationships; and establishing a sustainable long-term business model.
Dr. Tzo Zen Ang, incoming Managing Director of The Courtauld, said: “I am honoured and delighted to be joining The Courtauld as Managing Director at this exciting time. The Institute is building on its already stellar reputation with hugely inspiring transformation plans that will help it even better deliver its founding vision of ‘art for all’. I look forward to working with Professor Swallow and the entire team to bring this vision to life.”
Professor Deborah Swallow, Märit Rausing Director of The Courtauld, said: “The addition of such a highly respected and talented professional to the senior management team reflects the scale and ambition of Courtauld Connects, the biggest programme of development in our history. I look forward with great enthusiasm to working with Tzo Zen on the delivery of the project and our wider strategic objectives.”