Professor of Egyptology and Member of Parliament, Gihane Zaki , has been appointed the Chief Executive Officer of the Grand Egyptian Museum, according to sources who spoke to Ahram Online on Sunday.
Dr. Zaki brings a wealth of experience to the role, boasting an impressive academic background alongside a distinguished political career. A researcher at CNRS-La Sorbonne University and a professor of Egyptology and ancient civilizations, Dr. Zaki is also a member of the prestigious Institut d’Egypte, a scientific society founded by Napoleon in 1798.
Her leadership skills were honed during her tenure as head of the Egyptian Art Academy in Rome, where she navigated a challenging political climate while excelling in cultural diplomacy. In 2021, President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi appointed Dr. Zaki to the House of Representatives, where she currently serves on the Foreign Relations Committee.
Dr. Zaki’s government experience extends over three decades, during which she has championed international cooperation through art, culture, and diplomacy. Her past roles include Director of the International Organizations Department of the Egyptian Ministry of Culture, National Focal Point for the UNESCO Convention for the Protection of Cultural and Natural Heritage, and General Director of the Organization of the Salvage of Nubian Monuments. She has also served as an international expert on the scientific board of the UNESCO advisory body ICCROM in Italy.
Dr. Zaki is known for her innovative approach to cultural engagement, particularly with African youth. A vocal advocate for women’s empowerment in Africa, she has been recognized by France, Italy, Sharjah (UAE), and Egypt for her groundbreaking initiatives and vision in fostering cultural exchange and promoting a sense of global community.
