Flint Culture brings Rue Kothari on board to launch new Design practice

International communications consultancy Flint Culture has launched a Design practice, bringing Rue Kothari on board to setup and lead the new venture.

With offices in London, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Doha and Delhi, Flint Culture supports its clients across the arts, heritage, education and creative sectors with a range of communication services.

In a move expanding its portfolio, the UK-headquartered firm has now launched Flint Design, a new arm that will blend strategic communications, consultancy and market development to help clients develop design-led cultural initiatives and design-led product innovations.

“Design is a transformative discipline that shapes culture, economies, and the way we experience the world. The launch of the practice marks a bold expansion of Flint Culture’s commitment to the cultural and creative industries, with an emphasis on design as a catalyst for economic and social impact,” said Wol Balston, the company’s Co-CEO and Co-Founder.

Leading the arm is Rue Kothari, who brings over two decades of experience in the international design industry. She spent years as Editor-In-Chief of Harper’s Bazaar Interiors and then as the Director of Downtown Design in Dubai, growing both into globally recognised brands. In 2023, she founded DESIGNEAST, a platform that supports creatives in the Global South.

“We are truly delighted to bring Rue’s deep sector expertise to our leadership team – her experience and vision make her the ideal leader to spearhead Flint Culture’s growth in this sector, deepening our commitment to the creative industries and driving meaningful impact across a range of markets,” noted Balston.

Flint Design will serve clients across Flint Culture’s footprint, working with designers, institutions, businesses and government bodies to elevate the visibility and impact of design in shaping future economies and societies.

“Design is not just an aesthetic pursuit – it is a powerful agent of cultural expression, sustainability and progress,” said Kothari. “Flint Design is a platform to champion design voices, unlock cross-regional collaboration, and shape meaningful narratives for the industry. I’m excited to join a forward-thinking team at Flint Culture and lead this new venture across some of the most dynamic design markets in the world.”