Diego Prieto leaves the INAH after nine years: new position and institutional change

Diego Prieto Hernández , one of Mexico's most renowned anthropologists, has concluded his tenure as director general of the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) after nine years in office . His departure marks the end of a period that spanned two federal administrations, from Enrique Peña Nieto to Andrés Manuel López Obrador , and was characterized by major challenges and transformations within the agency charged with safeguarding the country's cultural heritage .

The decision was announced by Claudia Curiel de Icaza, head of the Ministry of Culture, who also announced that the institutional succession will be led by Joel Omar Vázquez Herrera , the new director general of the INAH. For his part, Prieto Hernández is not retiring from public office but will instead assume a new responsibility in the national cultural sphere , heading a key office for the continuity of heritage policies.

For nearly a decade, Prieto Hernández led one of the most important organizations for the conservation of Mexico's archaeological, historical, and anthropological heritage . His administration faced numerous challenges, from budget cuts to the impact of natural phenomena on archaeological sites and museums.

Among its main achievements are the strengthening of research projects in areas such as Teotihuacán, Palenque and Chichén Itzá , as well as the implementation of programs to serve indigenous communities, especially in the context of the Mayan Train , where the INAH played a crucial role in archaeological rescue studies.

Also key was his drive to digitize historical collections , expand intercultural dialogue with indigenous peoples, and defend heritage against the illicit trafficking of artifacts . In many ways, his time at the INAH is considered a transition toward new ways of understanding and protecting the country's historical memory .

Prieto Hernández's successor, Joel Omar Vázquez Herrera , is a specialist with a track record in cultural administration. Although his profile has not been as high-profile, sources close to the sector describe him as an official with a keen eye for the needs of national heritage and experience in public and community management .

His arrival at the helm of the INAH comes at a time of important decisions for the institute, which will have to continue with projects such as cultural support for the Mayan Train, the maintenance of national and regional museums, and the development of policies that respond to the challenges of climate change in relation to vulnerable archaeological sites .

Vázquez Herrera will be tasked with consolidating progress and proposing new strategies in an institution that plays a central role in Mexico's cultural identity and needs to maintain its prestige both nationally and internationally.

Far from retiring, Diego Prieto Hernández will assume a new position within the federal government's cultural apparatus , which, according to official sources, will involve directing a strategic heritage coordination office . Although the details have not been fully revealed, it is anticipated that this position will allow him to continue influencing public policies related to the protection of cultural heritage .

This new role would be consistent with his accumulated experience and deep understanding of the current challenges facing the sector. Cultural analysts believe his presence will continue to be influential, albeit from a different perspective , focused on planning, advisory, and institutional monitoring.

Diego Prieto's departure represents more than an administrative transition: it symbolizes the closing of a historic cycle in the management of Mexico's cultural heritage . His figure, respected by both academics and indigenous communities, leaves an important mark on the recent history of the INAH.

At the same time, the appointment of Joel Omar Vázquez Herrera opens a new era with opportunities for renewal , especially in a context where heritage is at the center of debates about development, identity, and sustainability. The change at the INAH will be closely watched by academia, cultural activists, and civil society interested in the future of Mexico's past.