Eleanor Robb has built a career that spans two worlds: high-stakes finance and cutting-edge digital arts. Born in London and now based in Tasmania, she serves as Head of Digital at the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA). Her marriage to four-time IndyCar champion Dario Franchitti adds another dimension to her public profile, but her professional achievements stand on their own.
Who Is Eleanor Robb?
Eleanor Robb was born on June 2, 1984, in London, England. Her parents, Hector and Deborah Robb, raised her with a strong focus on education and curiosity about the world. These early influences shaped her approach to both career and family life.
She attended Duke University, where she completed a double major in Psychology and French in 2006. This combination gave her insight into human behavior and cross-cultural communication. She then earned a Master of Science in Economics from the University of Oxford in 2007.
Her educational background is unusual. Psychology taught her how people think and make decisions. French opened doors to international communication. Economics gave her the analytical tools to understand markets and data. Together, these disciplines prepared her for a career that would require both creativity and precision.
Career Path: From Hedge Funds to Museums
Eleanor started her professional life in hedge fund management. From 2008 to 2014, she worked as a financial analyst, learning risk assessment and market analysis. The work was demanding and competitive, but it taught her how to make decisions under pressure.
By 2015, she was ready for a change. She left finance and moved into digital strategy consulting. This shift let her apply her analytical skills to technology and innovation, particularly in the arts sector.
In 2016, MONA hired her as Head of Digital. The museum, known for its provocative art and unconventional approach, was the perfect match for her skills. She brought financial discipline and data analysis to an industry that often relies on intuition.
At MONA, Eleanor has led several major projects:
- Immersive VR art experiences that change how visitors interact with exhibits
- Data-driven visitor engagement models that track preferences and improve museum layout
- Digital funding strategies that combine her finance background with creative tech solutions
Her work has made MONA a leader in museum technology. She proved that financial expertise and artistic vision can work together.
Marriage to Dario Franchitti
Eleanor married Dario Franchitti in 2015. Dario is a Scottish racing legend with four IndyCar Series championships and three Indianapolis 500 wins. His career ended in 2013 after a serious crash at the Houston Grand Prix left him with injuries that made racing unsafe.
The couple met through mutual connections in the racing world in the early 2010s. Their relationship brought together two very different industries: motorsport and technology.
They have two daughters. Sofia was born on November 2, 2015, and Valentina arrived in February 2019. The family lives in Tasmania, where Eleanor’s role at MONA allows her to stay close to home.
Being married to a sports icon comes with challenges. Eleanor has had to balance her own career ambitions with the public attention that comes from being Dario Franchitti’s wife. She handles this by maintaining clear boundaries between her professional work and family life.
After Dario’s crash, Eleanor played a key role in his recovery and transition out of racing. She coordinated medical care, managed media requests, and helped him explore new opportunities as a motorsport commentator and analyst.
Philanthropy and Community Work
Eleanor uses her digital expertise to support causes she cares about. Her philanthropic work focuses on four main areas:
- Arts accessibility programs that use digital tools to reach people who can’t visit museums in person
- Environmental conservation efforts that reduce the carbon footprint of cultural institutions
- Motorsport safety initiatives that improve standards and protect drivers
- Educational scholarships for students from underrepresented backgrounds in STEM fields
She has led specific projects that show her commitment to these causes. At MONA, she developed a digital archive that preserves the work of regional Tasmanian artists. She established STEM scholarships aimed at encouraging young women to pursue careers in technology. She also worked with the museum to implement sustainable practices across all operations.
Her approach to philanthropy mirrors her professional style. She identifies problems, analyzes data, and implements solutions that create measurable impact.
Balancing Career and Family
Eleanor is open about the challenges of managing a demanding career while raising two young daughters. She believes in setting clear boundaries and being intentional about how she spends her time.
In interviews, she has talked about the importance of work-life balance. She avoids overcommitting to projects that would take her away from family. She also protects her children’s privacy by limiting what she shares publicly about them.
Her approach to parenting emphasizes cultural awareness and education. She and Dario want their daughters to understand their father’s racing legacy while developing their own interests and identities.
Media Presence and Public Image
Despite her accomplishments and her marriage to a famous athlete, Eleanor maintains a low public profile. She rarely gives interviews, and when she does, she focuses on her work rather than her personal life.
She is selective about media appearances, choosing opportunities that align with her professional interests. When she speaks publicly, it’s usually about digital transformation in the arts, technology accessibility, or the intersection of creativity and data.
This selective approach has helped her maintain control over her public image. She is known as a serious professional who values substance over celebrity.
Eleanor Robb and Dario Franchitti: Key Facts
Eleanor Robb:
- Born: June 2, 1984, London, England
- Education: Duke University (Psychology & French), University of Oxford (MSc Economics)
- Current role: Head of Digital at MONA
- Previous career: Hedge fund analyst (2008-2014)
Dario Franchitti:
- Born: May 19, 1973, Bathgate, Scotland
- Racing career: 1984-2013
- Major titles: 4-time IndyCar champion, 3-time Indianapolis 500 winner
- Current role: Motorsport commentator and analyst
Net Worth:
- Eleanor Robb: Estimated $5 million
- Dario Franchitti: Estimated $50 million
What’s Next for Eleanor Robb
Eleanor continues to push boundaries in digital arts. At MONA, she is working to expand the museum’s global digital presence. She wants to pioneer new technologies in art curation and develop educational programs that merge creativity with data science.
On a personal level, she is focused on raising her daughters and expanding her philanthropic work. She has expressed interest in writing about the challenges of balancing high-profile careers with family responsibilities.
Her career shows that it’s possible to reinvent yourself professionally while maintaining strong personal values. She moved from finance to digital arts, from London to Tasmania, and from analyst to innovation leader. Each transition required courage and adaptability.
Final Thoughts
Eleanor Robb has created a career that defies easy categorization. She is a finance expert who became a digital innovator. She is Dario Franchitti’s wife, but also a respected professional in her own right. She is a mother who manages to maintain a demanding career without sacrificing family time.
Her story matters because it shows a different path to success. She didn’t follow a traditional trajectory. She took risks, changed industries, and built something unique. Her work at MONA demonstrates how technology can transform cultural institutions. Her philanthropic efforts show how skills from one field can create impact in another.
As she continues her work in digital arts and raises her family in Tasmania, Eleanor Robb remains focused on what matters: creating meaningful work, supporting causes she believes in, and building a life that reflects her values.
FAQs
What happened to Dario Franchitti?
Dario suffered a career-ending crash at the 2013 Houston Grand Prix. His injuries made it too dangerous to continue racing professionally.
What does Dario Franchitti do now?
He works as a motorsport commentator and analyst, providing expert insights on racing series.
How many children do Eleanor and Dario have?
They have two daughters: Sofia (born 2015) and Valentina (born 2019).
How did Eleanor Robb meet Dario Franchitti?
They met through mutual connections in the racing world in the early 2010s.
What is Eleanor Robb’s current role?
She is Head of Digital at the Museum of Old and New Art in Tasmania, Australia.