The Facts
On October 8, 2026, the Victoria and Albert Museum announced the appointment of Jane Ellis as its new Deputy Director and Chief Operating Officer. Ellis, who joined the V&A in 2019 as Director of Finance and Resources, will assume the expanded role in November, adding responsibility for Audiences, Security, Legal and Directorate to her existing portfolio. In her previous role, she led the Technology, People, Finance and Redesign teams, later also overseeing the Commercial division, and guided the museum's finances through the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent recovery. She also managed the financial aspects of the V&A East capital programme and established the V&A Redesign programme, which delivered major change projects including a new volunteering approach, the Order an Object service, and new visitor experience standards.
The Signal
The appointment signals a strategic consolidation of leadership as the V&A transitions into a fully operational group of museums, with Ellis's expanded remit reflecting the institution's focus on operational efficiency and visitor engagement. Her background in finance and technology, including chairing the V&A's AI steering group, positions her to drive the museum's strategy to 2030, 'Creativity for All'. For collectors and cultural professionals, this move underscores the V&A's emphasis on sustainable growth and digital innovation, key factors in maintaining its relevance as a global museum brand.
- People: Jane Ellis, Sir Tristram Hunt
- Museums: Victoria and Albert Museum
- Locations: London
The Morning Signal · Daily
Get stories like this in your inbox
The art world in one daily email — auctions, openings, and acquisitions from 90+ primary sources, distilled into a five-minute read. Independent — no marketplace, no gallery ads.
Join collectors, dealers & curators
No spam · free every morning · unsubscribe anytime
The Jobs Digest · Weekly
New art-world jobs, every Monday
The Jobs Digest rounds up the week’s new museum, gallery, and auction-house openings — with salary when disclosed. One email a week, unsubscribe anytime.
