Michael Diaz-Griffith has officially joined the DLN as Executive Director and COO. Michael most recently served as Executive Director of Sir John Soane’s Museum Foundation, the New York-based nonprofit supporting the Soane Museum in London. Previously, he served as Associate Executive Director of The Winter Show (formerly the Winter Antiques Show), and he has consulted on strategy and business development for fairs, auction houses, galleries, and museums. He currently sits on the Steering Committee of The Winter Show and co-chairs the Masterpiece Collectors Club for the art and design fair Masterpiece London, and he was recently named to House Beautiful’s list of “Visionaries” for his advocacy of antiques, historic art, and preservation. His upcoming book on collecting, The New Antiquarians, will be published by The Monacelli Press/Phaidon in Spring 2023.
“Michael brings to the DLN his energetic and positive approach built on an arts management background at The Winter Show, his own consulting practice, and most recently, as the Executive Director of Sir John Soane’s Museum Foundation,” says the DLN’s founder, Peter Sallick. “Michael will oversee all of the DLN’s programs and activities, focusing on fresh creativity, vital planning, and excellent communications, both internally and externally.”
“It is an honor to lead the DLN in a new chapter marked by historic challenges for our members as well as era-defining opportunities,” says Michael. “In a time when everyone is seeking connection – to other people, fresh ideas, and solutions for complex problems – I think the DLN has more to offer the design community than ever before, and I’m excited to help the organization maintain its excellence and realize its enormous potential for the benefit of our members and partners.”
Michael encourages the DLN community to be in contact, and he looks forward to greeting everyone in person at upcoming DLN events, including this month’s Bermuda Summit. “I feel incredibly lucky to join such a warm and talented group,” he says. “Every member and partner I’ve spoken with has welcomed me like an old friend, and it is a thrill to think that this is only the start. There is a lot of work ahead, but even more friendship, learning, and adventure.”