Laetitia Masson
London,UK
Summary
International cultural programme manager with experience delivering complex cultural initiatives from concept and design. Proven track record aligning strategy, operations, governance, budgets, and impact measurement across international teams and partners.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work history
International Specialist & Curator of Collections
INDEPENDENT WORK
Europe
2023.11 - 2026.05
- Katrin Bellinger Collection & Tavolozza Foundation: Advised on collection strategy; increased public engagement through new interpretative narratives; managed relationships with French cultural institutions (Louvre, Orsay, Petit Palais).
- Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden, Kupferstich-Kabinett: Contributed to Getty Paper Project online museum collection catalogue.
Global Circle (UK) Manager, Global Arts Programme
British Council, London, UK
2024.05 - 2026.04
- Spearheaded end-to-end launch of British Council’s inaugural Global Circle (UK) programme, managing research, recruitment, due diligence, onboarding, and stewardship
- Designed and delivered senior multi-stakeholder engagement programmes and partnerships, coordinating government and embassy engagement, VIP itineraries and event logistics;
- Shaped and prepared monthly executive briefings, keynote speeches, and senior-facing materials to support high-impact external engagements;
- Coordinated 100+ stakeholders across global teams, Trustees, artists, cultural partners, and regional arts leads to deliver aligned objectives across multiple regions;
- Designed artist-led and expert-led engagement programme with Tracey Emin, Yinka Ilori, Wayne McGregor.
Head of Sales Specialist, Classic Art Group
Christie’s Mansions & Woods, London, UK
2021.05 - 2023.09
- Led international client and stakeholder strategy across Europe, North America, and Asia;
- Directed cross-office collaboration across London, Paris, New York, and Hong Kong, coordinating 10 cross-functional teams to deliver complex high-value sales;
- Oversaw end-to-end project delivery in 3 countries, including triage of requests, marketing narratives, post-sale analysis, and forward strategy;
- Supported senior leadership (CEO, Chairman’s office) to shape strategic engagement and external narratives around landmark cultural objects (Leonardo da Vinci’s Head of a Bear sold for £9 million), preparing expert briefings and speeches;
- Managed Hackatoa Hack of a Bear commission connecting cultural heritage and emerging technologies to reach new audiences;
- Acted as external spokesperson, strengthening institutional positioning and public-facing narratives.
Head of Department, Old Master Paintings & Drawings
Chiswick Auctions, London, UK
2019.06 - 2021.04
- Directed departmental strategy and delivery across all operations with commercial and cultural objectives;
- Produced accessible catalogue texts translating specialist research into clear narratives for diverse audiences.
Curatorial Intern, Collection Online Project
VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM, London
2016.01 - 2016.01
- Enhanced CMS records for over 500 French and Italian drawings, improving accuracy, discoverability, and online accessibility of public collections for global audiences.
Volunteer Collection Online Project Assistant
BRITISH MUSEUM, London
2015.01 - 2015.01
- Catalogued portrait prints and created museum-standard CMS records, supporting digital discoverability and public accessibility of collection.
Curatorial Intern
MUSÉE DU LOUVRE, Paris
2012.01 - 2013.01
- Supported exhibition documentation, object lists, and collection checks, strengthening accurate records and public engagement with graphic arts collection.
Collection Online Project Officer
INSTITUT NATIONAL D’HISTOIRE DE L’ART, Paris
2011.01 - 2012.01
- Enhanced online database of Jacques Doucet collection, including coding, improving access to rare holdings for researchers and international audiences.
Education
Master's degree - Art Market
École du Louvre
Paris, FranceMaster's degree - Museum Studies
École du Louvre
Paris, FranceMaster's degree - Literature, Arts & Critical Theory
Paris VII University
Paris, FranceSkills
- High-value stakeholder relationship management
- Chair and SLT's speeches and briefs
- Global partnerships building
- Cross-Functional coordination
- Risk Assessments
- Fluency in French and Italian
Languages
French
Native
English
Fluent
Italian
Fluent
Mandarin
Beginner (A1)
Accomplishments
- Spearheaded a pilot programme from the ground up connecting global partners and cultural leaders
- Built and managed 200+ high-value stakeholder relationships
- Launched Christie’s first crypto-art commission alongside Leonardo da Vinci’s Head of a Bear.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Global Circle (UK) Manager, Global Arts Programme
British Council, London, UK
2024.05 - 2026.04
International Specialist & Curator of Collections
INDEPENDENT WORK
2023.11 - 2026.05
Head of Sales Specialist, Classic Art Group
Christie’s Mansions & Woods, London, UK
2021.05 - 2023.09
Head of Department, Old Master Paintings & Drawings
Chiswick Auctions, London, UK
2019.06 - 2021.04
Curatorial Intern, Collection Online Project
VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM, London
2016.01 - 2016.01
Volunteer Collection Online Project Assistant
BRITISH MUSEUM, London
2015.01 - 2015.01
Curatorial Intern
MUSÉE DU LOUVRE, Paris
2012.01 - 2013.01
Collection Online Project Officer
INSTITUT NATIONAL D’HISTOIRE DE L’ART, Paris
2011.01 - 2012.01
Master's degree - Art Market
École du Louvre
Master's degree - Museum Studies
École du Louvre
Master's degree - Literature, Arts & Critical Theory
Paris VII University