Diplomat Anne-Claire Legendre Named Head of Arab World Institute
Anne-Claire Legendre has been appointed the new president of the Arab World Institute (IMA) in Paris, officials announced on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. The appointment comes amid scrutiny of the institute following the resignation of Jack Lang, who stepped down on February 7 after thirteen years in the role. The change in leadership at the IMA, a key cultural institution fostering ties between France and the Arab world, is being closely watched by regional observers.
Legendre, a career diplomat, currently serves as counselor to French President Emmanuel Macron for North Africa and the Middle East. She is the first woman to lead the IMA’s board of directors, according to reports.
Lang’s departure followed allegations of misconduct related to the Epstein affair. He had been under investigation in connection with the case.
Prior to her current role, Legendre held several prominent diplomatic positions, including counselor to then-Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius from 2013 to 2016, consul general of France in New York from 2016 to 2020, and ambassador to Kuwait from 2020 to 2021. She too served as a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for over two years.
The appointment of Legendre signals a potential shift in direction for the institute, as she brings a wealth of experience in regional diplomacy to the position.
