Cristiano Leone appointed president of Santa Maria della Scala Foundation in Siena

Cristiano Leone, a 39-year-old cultural manager from Naples, has been appointed president of the Fondazione Antico Ospedale Santa Maria della Scala in Siena. He holds a European PhD in Romance Philology from Siena and specialized in cultural management at the Solvay Brussels School of Economics and Management. Leone has worked with institutions including the Sorbonne University, French Academy in Rome – Villa Medici, National Roman Museum, Hermès Italia, and Hermès International. Most recently, he led the artistic and linguistic direction for the Cité internationale de la langue française, a cultural project backed by French President Macron. The appointment follows the foundation's establishment in June 2022 and the naming of archaeologist Chiara Valdambrini as director in April 2023. Leone succeeds Lucia Cresti as president. Mayor Nicoletta Fabio also appointed the new board: vice president Niccolò Fiorini, members Massimiliana Quartesan, Viviana Castelli, and Francesco Piroli, with Camillo Natali as president of the board of auditors. Leone stated he aims to bring dual managerial and artistic expertise, foster public-private partnerships, introduce performative culture to the museum, and promote dialogue with contemporary arts and technology with a focus on sustainability. Director Valdambrini and Mayor Fabio expressed support, envisioning a dynamic laboratory for contemporary art. The first board meeting is expected soon.