Gautier Chiarini Appointed Chief Operating Officer
Geneva, September 24, 2026 – The International Human Rights Film Festival and Forum announces the appointment of Gautier Chiarini as Chief Operating Officer, effective October 1, 2026. He joins the FIFDH leadership team alongside Editorial Co-directors Laila Alonso Huarte and Laura Longobardi.
Gautier Chiarini’s background and expertise particularly impressed the FIFDH Foundation Board. His appointment follows a selection process led by Chairman Yves Daccord, in consultation with Joëlle Comé, who will succeed Mr. Daccord from November 1, 2026.
Gautier Chiarini began his career in 2005 at the Swiss Embassy in Beijing, first as a consultant, then as a human rights advisor, and later as head of the culture section. After ten years in the Chinese capital, he joined Pro Helvetia in Zurich, where he headed the Liaison Offices and Cultural Centres. From 2018 through the end of 2025, he established and led the Opale Foundation in Lens (VS), an institution dedicated to promoting the recognition and influence of contemporary Australian Aboriginal art in Europe.
Gautier Chiarini has developed strong expertise in institutional management, cultural project development, and international cooperation. His career is also linked to Geneva, where he studied at the University of Geneva and the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies.
His arrival strengthens the Festival’s leadership in operational, administrative, financial, and strategic areas. He will thus help guide the FIFDH’s development and ensure its long-term ambitions are realised.
“We were impressed by Gautier Chiarini’s wide-ranging skills, his leadership experience, his knowledge of cultural institutions, and his national and international network. His arrival strengthens the Festival’s organisation and will support its development in the years to come.”
– Yves Daccord, Chair of the FIFDH Foundation Board
“Joining the FIFDH represents an opportunity for me to put my experience to work for a deeply community-oriented cultural project that places cinema, human rights, and dialogue at the heart of its mission, both in Geneva and internationally. The Festival creates essential spaces for reflection, awareness, and transformation. It has earned solid recognition and now has significant potential for growth. I look forward to contributing, alongside Laila Alonso Huarte, Laura Longobardi, the Foundation Board, and the entire team, to furthering its mission.”
– Gautier Chiarini, Chief Operating Officer of the FIFDH
Gautier Chiarini succeeds Guillaume Noyé, who is stepping down after three years as the FIFDH’s Chief Operating Officer. During this time, Guillaume Noyé worked tirelessly to consolidate the Festival’s finances, develop its human resources, and strengthen its organisational structure. He also oversaw strategic and budgetary matters.
The Foundation Board and the entire FIFDH team extend their warmest thanks to Guillaume Noyé for his dedication, hard work, and invaluable contribution to the Festival’s development over the past three years. They wish him every success in his future career.