PRESS RELEASE | HONG KONG | 18 March 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CHRISTIE’S ANNOUNCES LEADERSHIP PROMOTIONS IN ASIA

AS CHRISTIE’S CELEBRATES 30 YEARS OF SALES IN THE REGION

18^TH March 2016 -- Hong Kong/Beijing -- Christie’s, the world’s leading art business, announces two executive appointments in our Asia and China region. Rebecca Wei has been appointed President, Asia and Jinqing Cai has been appointed Chairman, Christie’s China. 

“We have all witnessed the extraordinary growth of Asia in recent years, both in terms of the enormous value of our Hong Kong sales and the broad number of Asian buyers, particularly, from mainland China, who have begun to transact in our sales all over the world,” commented Jussi Pylkkanen, Global President. 

“With this in mind, we are delighted to announce the unification of the whole of Asia under the presidency of Rebecca Wei. We are also delighted to announce the appointment of Jinqing Cai as Chairman of Christie’s China. They will continue to be ably supported by Francois Curiel, who will retain his broader senior role, as Chairman of Christie’s Asia Pacific,” said Mr. Pylkkanen.”

 “As we celebrate our 30^th anniversary of sales in Hong Kong and Asia I think it is very fitting that Christie’s should be launching our next phase of sustained growth.  This is a very exciting moment for the company and I would like to thank Rebecca and Jinqing in advance for their continued leadership in the region,” Mr. Pylkkanen continued.

“It is our shared ambition to serve the growing audience who engage with and collects art so that we continue to lead in the region and inspire participation across the categories we offer globally.” said Rebecca Wei. “There continue to be many opportunities in Mainland China and our goal is to continue to further develop our brand presence in the region working with institutions, artists, collectors and other key stakeholders,” said Jinqing Cai. “We look forward to continuing to work together in this next phase of Christie’s operations in China.”

This month Christie’s will open a new gallery in Hong Kong, The Anniversary Gallery and sees the launch of a new curated auction, First Open Hong Kong (separate press release available). In addition, the auction house will be moving to new premises at Jinbao Street in Beijing later this year, bearing testament to Christie’s commitment in continuing to develop the China market and to engage with local collectors and the art communities.

  –ENDS –

Rebecca Wei joined Christie’s from McKinsey & Company where she worked for over 10 years and was the first female partner to be elected in their Greater China Office. Rebecca has extensive experience in advising leading companies across China and Asia on the design of their corporate strategies, helping to define everything from their organizational structure to their marketing, sales and operation processes. Previously she has also served as Board Director for several listed companies and as Chief Executive Officer at a leading luxury restaurant chain in China.  Over the past four years as General Manager, Asia; Managing Director, Asia and then President, Asia (excluding China), Rebecca has been a formidable force in driving our business and has played a strong, leadership role in growing the firm’s presence across this region.

Before joining Christie’s, Jinqing Cai was the Founding Partner of global communications firm Brunswick Group in Beijing between 2005-2012, during which she helped develop and execute strategic and M&A communication programmes for both Chinese and international clients such as BP, CNOOC, Lenovo and Visa.  Ms. Cai began her career in New York with a boutique management consulting company before returning to Asia to join K1, a venture capital firm as a Director.  In 2002, She co-founded a public relations and consulting company New Alliance, and led and managed the first annual meeting for the Davos-like Boao Forum for Asia, working with leaders in government, corporate and media organisations.  Since 2012, as Managing Director, China and then President, China, Jinqing has played a leadership role in establishing Christie’s presence in Mainland China, from its  inaugural sale in 2013 to the opening of  the Ampire Building art space in Shanghai. In addition, she has cultivated highly influential client relationships in the region, introducing them to Christie’s global salerooms, as well as strengthening engagement with collectors and the art community in the region.