New York: Christie’s Chief Operating Officer (CEO) Patricia Barbizet passed on the baton to Guillaume Cerutti on January 1, 2017. The - impending - changeover was announced in a press statement last month.
Christie’s Chief Operating Officer (CEO) Patricia Barbizet passed on the baton to Guillaume Cerutti on January 1, 2017. The - impending - changeover was announced in a press statement last month.
The new CEO was appointed by Christie’s Board on the “recommendation” of Barbizet and “with the full support” of the Pinault family (owners of Christie’s), the announcement said.
Also, as part of this restructuring, François Pinault has taken over as Chairman of the Board and Barbizet has been made Vice Chairman.
Barbizet will continue in her role of CEO of Artémis, the Pinault family’s investment company and as Vice Chairperson of Kering -- a luxury group conglomerate -- in which Artémis has a major shareholding. Kering is owner of renowned brands like Gucci, Saint Laurent, Stella McCartney, Bottega Veneta and Balenciaga.
In the announcement Barbizet had commented: “As we conclude a successful year, the time is right to adapt our structure and further enhance the tremendous work we have done to make the company more efficient, creative and collaborative. I believe Guillaume’s experience and deep knowledge of the art world will bring Christie’s one more step forward. Christie’s is a key asset for its shareholder. Alongside Mr. Pinault, as CEO of Artemis, I will remain closely involved as we continue to expand Christie’s global reach and introduce more best-in-class services for today’s collectors.”
