Auction house Christie's has named a new Chairman with responsibility for Europe and Asia. The move comes on the back of his success in opening up the Chinese market.
In a media release Christie’s said that François Curiel has been appointed Chairman Europe and Asia, he will now report to Guillaume Cerutti, Chief Executive Officer.
In this new role Curiel will define and implement the firm’s strategy in Europe and Asia, working closely with Christie’s Global, European and Asian Presidents, focusing on serving the firm's most important collectors.
He will continue as a member of the Executive Management Group and chair the Luxury Business Group. Curiel will be relocating from Asia to Geneva and Paris at the beginning of the summer.
Plugged Into Growing Chinese Wealth
He has been based in Hong Kong since 2010 as Chairman, Asia Pacific. During his tenure, Christie’s has expanded in the region including opening new offices in both Shanghai and Beijing, as well as launching sales in Mainland China.
«He leaves Asia having grown the business significantly by engaging a new generation of art collectors and encouraging Asian consignors and buyers to transact with Christie’s on a global scale,» commented Cerutti.
Curiel has conducted some of the world’s most important auctions, presenting many legendary collections belonging to the Aga Khan, Princess Margaret, Elizabeth Taylor and Lily Safra, wife of legendary banker Edmond J. Safra.
