Barker Langham installs Dubai-based Kate Matar as CEO

UK-headquartered culture consultancy Barker Langham has promoted Dubai-based Kate Matar to CEO.

Australian-origin Kate Matar has been based in the Middle East for the past thirteen years, working across a range of roles in the tourism and cultural sector. Having held senior management positions with Abu Dhabi Department of Culture & Tourism (formerly TCA Abu Dhabi) and Dubai Tourism, and working as an independent consultant, she joined Barker Langham five years ago.

Founded in 2005, Barker Langham is one of the globe’s leading cultural consultancies, serving museums, historic sites, governments and charities across Europe, North America, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Matar joined the firm’s Dubai office as a Director, and building on her leadership and track record, she has now been handed the overall responsibility for the 90-strong firm.

Leading a Board comprising Rachel Spencer, Emily Hall, Rachel Teskey, Louisa Brandt and co-founders Eric Langham and Darren Barker, Matar will spearhead the consulting firm’s strategic planning and growth, and steer Barker Langham’s global projects portfolio and teams to ensure successful outcomes for clients. She will also work with the Board to guide business development, partnership-building, financials and operational management.

“Kate is an exceptional cultural and creative leader and we are excited and proud that she will lead Barker Langham into the future,” said Langham and Barker.

Matar’s track record of client work includes working on the development and delivery of many landmark cultural projects, including; Expo Dubai, Diriyah Gate, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Al Shindagha Museum, Qasr Al Hosn, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, Saadiyat Cultural District and NEOM.

In addition, she has worked on projects for The Founder’s Memorial visitor experience for Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation and the Ministry of Presidential Affairs, Faisal: A Life at the Heart of the 20th Century for the King Faisal Centre, the Emirates to the World and Protectors of the Nation exhibitions for Etihad Museum, Manarat Al Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi Art, Sharjah: Gateway to the Trucial States, and Dubai Comedy Festival.

Commenting on her new role, Matar said: “It is with great pride that I take on the challenge of this new role – I personally look forward to leading the development of our people and projects around the world.”