National Arts Centre Appoints Annabelle Cloutier as CEO

The National Arts Centre (NAC) in Ottawa has appointed Annabelle Cloutier as its new president and chief executive officer, effective immediately. Cloutier’s five-year term follows her role as executive director of strategy and communications, where she worked closely with former CEO Christopher Deacon, who retired on December 3, 2025.

Cloutier is recognized for her contributions to the NAC, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, where she played a crucial role in the organization’s digital transformation. She also led efforts for the NAC’s 50th anniversary celebrations and the launch of the Indigenous Theatre in 2019. Recently, she was instrumental in cultural showcases at Expo 2020 Dubai and Expo 2025 Osaka, as well as an orchestra tour of Korea and Japan.

Vision for the Future

The NAC Board of Trustees highlighted Cloutier’s exceptional qualities, stating she emerged as a standout candidate during a global executive search, bringing “vision, energy and imagination” to one of Canada’s premier cultural institutions. Cloutier expressed her commitment to the arts, emphasizing its essential role in society.

“My immediate priorities will be to engage with artists and arts leaders from across the country to connect actively with our national audiences, and to collaborate with and support our wonderful NAC team,” she stated in a press release.

Cloutier, who hails from Quebec’s Eastern Townships, is noted for being the first francophone woman to lead the NAC. The organization is renowned for presenting, creating, producing, and co-producing a diverse range of programming, including orchestra, dance, theatre, popular music, and variety shows.

Background and Experience

Before her tenure at the NAC, Cloutier served as a spokesperson for three Governors General over a nine-year period at Rideau Hall. Her experience includes significant participation in state visits, royal tours, and national honours ceremonies. Earlier in her career, she advocated for arts and culture within francophone minority communities and the film and television industry.

Cloutier is not only a trained lawyer but also studied piano and violin from a young age. She completed graduate studies in communications and holds a certificate in public leadership from Harvard Kennedy School.

Her extensive background and passion for the arts position her uniquely to lead the NAC into its next chapter, reinforcing the organization’s mission to connect with a broad audience while fostering creativity and cultural expression across Canada.