Our Executive Leadership Programme elumni, Paolo Petrocelli, has been named as one of the leading global cultural managers of his generation.
The World Economic Forum (WEF) Young Global Leaders recognises exceptional individuals under the age of forty, who have the vision, courage, and influence to make a positive impact. As the newly appointed Head of the Dubai Opera, Paolo exemplifies the attributes of a global leader.
The nomination recognises his efforts over the last few years in developing the opera scene as a catalyst for change in promoting cross-cultural understanding and diversity throughout the Middle East and North Africa. Paolo’s extensive leadership skills, coupled with his passion for the arts as a force for change, have extended through his work in key roles; as Founder and President of the Euro-Mediterranean Music Academy for Peace, Founder and Honorary President of the Italian Youth Association for UNESCO, and Cultural Diplomacy Officer for the World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates.
As a leading cultural manager, Paolo recognises the importance of his nomination, commenting: ‘It is a great honour to be as a Young Global Leader by the WEF and to have the opportunity to join a community of extraordinary individuals who, through their civic and professional commitment, have managed to establish themselves for their ability to generate a positive impact on an international level. As a cultural manager, I believe this is a unique opportunity to bring arts and culture at the core of the global debate on humanity’s challenges. Thanks to Saïd Business School and the knowledge I have acquired with the Oxford Online Leadership Programme, I feel even more confident and committed to express myself as a leader in an international landscape.’
Paolo took part in the Oxford Executive Leadership Programme in 2020. Led by Oxford Saïd faculty and prominent thought leaders, the online programme explores what effective business leadership looks like in a modern workplace, refining its purpose and exploring strategies driving change.
Programme Director, Tim Morris, Emeritus Professor of Management Studies, was delighted with Paolo’s nomination and commented:
‘This well-deserved award reflects Paolo’s wonderful work as Director of the Stauffer Centre in Cremona and his new role as head of the Dubai Opera, where he is already having an impact on culture in the region and his broad commitment to the arts. His vision is that culture and the arts can be a major force for change and development globally and serves as the foundation for his work and leadership. We are delighted to have contributed to Paolo’s development as a leader through the Oxford Online Leadership Programme.’