Frank Lasry, Who Held Top Jobs at Art Basel and Christie’s, to Join Frieze

Frieze has today announced the appointment of Frank Lasry as its new chief operating officer. 

He will join the art fairs and events brand from June this year, reporting directly to the chief executive officer and overseeing operations across Frieze’s global fairs.

Lasry said in a statement: “I am absolutely delighted to join the Frieze team and look forward to starting this new journey with the team and the wider Frieze community.

“Frieze is a unique brand with a mission to expand the reach and understanding of contemporary art, and I could not be prouder to be associated with it.”

Most recently, Lasry served as chief operating officer at Perrotin, which has nine international locations in cities including London, Paris, New York and Hong Kong.

Prior to this, from 2018 to 2023, he held senior roles at Art Basel. As the fair’s managing director, he worked across its Basel, Hong Kong, Paris and Miami locations, and played a key role in the launch of Art Basel Paris. 

Born in France, Lasry began his art-sector career at Christie’s, holding senior managerial positions in Paris, London, Dubai and Hong Kong, before becoming chief operating officer in London. 

He went on to serve in the same role at Phillips in Europe and Asia, leading teams across London, Paris, Geneva and Hong Kong and spearheading its expansion into new markets.

Simon Fox, CEO of Frieze, said: “I am delighted to welcome Frank to the Frieze team. His extensive operational experience in the art world will be invaluable to us as we continue to expand globally and strengthen our offering for galleries, collectors and partners.”

Lasry’s appointment comes just under a year after businessmen and Hollywood agent Ari Emanuel announced plans to purchase Frieze from his former employer, Endeavour. 

The sale, which was reportedly worth $200 million (around £150,000), was finalised in October last year, transferring ownership of the seven art fairs, two exhibition spaces and publication under the Frieze brand to Emanuel’s company, Mari.