
Sotheby’s made an announcement this morning that continues the process of rationalizing the company’s various efforts. One of CEO Tad Smith’s regular refrains has been to expand the Sotheby’s brand into non-art areas.
That brand benefits greatly from a licensing arrangement with Realogy that puts the auction house’s name on a huge global network of real estate affiliates. It has also acquired a stake in classic car maker, RM Auctions. The jewelry and watch sectors remain important across the auction industry.
Now Sotheby’s has one executive with responsibility for coordinating the growth of these sectors, Maarten ten Holder. Here’s their release:
Sotheby’s is pleased to announce the appointment of Maarten ten Holder as global Managing Director of the Company’s new Luxury & Lifestyle Division, uniting the categories of jewelry, watches, wine, cars and experiences, as well as the relationship with Sotheby’s International Realty, under one senior executive. A highly experienced member of Sotheby’s senior management team, Maarten will relocate to New York from London, where he was most recently Managing Director of Sotheby’s operations in Europe, the Middle East, India and Africa. Prior to his post in London, Maarten held leadership positions at Sotheby’s in New York, Milan and Amsterdam. His appointment is effective immediately.