Philippe Kern bids farewell after 25 Years of cultural leadership

After a remarkable journey as the Managing Director of KEA, its founder Philippe Kern is stepping down to retire. Philippe’s visionary leadership has been instrumental in positioning KEA as a unique and influential voice in European cultural affairs by bridging policy and creativity, advocating for humanist values, and championing the transformative power of culture.

His farewell letter, shared below, reflects on the origins of KEA, its evolution, and the values that have guided our work for the last 26 years. As we turn the page, we celebrate Arthur Le Gall who took over as managing director in summer 2024. A long-time member of the KEA team, Arthur brings continuity, deep expertise, and a renewed energy to lead KEA into its next chapter. His appointment marks a natural transition – one that honours the legacy of Philippe while embracing the future with confidence and ambition.

Please find Philippe’s farewell message below.

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