Christophe Leribault has been appointed as the new director of the Louvre Museum following the resignation of Laurence des Cars, as announced by the French President Emmanuel Macron. The appointment comes during a tumultuous period for the museum, which has faced several challenges over the past few months including a notorious jewelry theft and ongoing strikes by employees advocating for improved working conditions.

Leribault, a 62-year-old art historian, steps into leadership of one of the world's most-visited museums at a time when it has experienced significant operational disruptions. The Louvre's operations were notably impacted by employee protests, leading to the museum's complete closure or limited hours during December and January. These strikes reflect the growing tensions between management and staff over workplace conditions amidst the increased pressures of maintaining a prestigious institution.

In addition to the labor disputes, the Louvre has recently contended with ticket fraud, culminating in the police arresting nine individuals, two of whom were museum staff. This adds another layer of complexity to Leribault's new role, as he must navigate the aftermath of the October jewelry heist and restore public confidence in the museum's operations. Leribault previously managed the Palace of Versailles since February 2024, making him a seasoned figure in the cultural heritage sector.