Julien Pradels ‘Proud’ to Lead Christie’s Americas Team
Julien Pradels. Courtesy Christie's.
Julien Pradels, Christie’s Global Head of Operations, has been announced as the company’s new Regional President of the Americas.
Pradels will take over the role from the incumbent Bonnie Brennan this Spring, as she goes on to take the role of CEO.
Brennan said Pradels is the ‘ideal fit’ for the role given his ‘extensive knowledge’ of the business and its clients, and resourceful and collaborative qualities.
‘I know Julien well, and he is a person who always maintains the utmost respect for our clients, his colleagues and the business, while continuing to push our business forward,’ Brennan said.
Pradels has held a number of leadership positions in his 14 years at Christie’s and brings experience across regional strategies, client development, and business management.
The company said Pradels’ efforts to modernise the business was instrumental in launching Christie’s first auction sale in Shanghai in September 2013.
Pradels will lead the auction house in North and South America, charged with overseeing the firm’s sales calendar, client relationships, and growth. He will also oversee the company’s forthcoming New York headquarters renovation at Rockefeller Center.
Pradels said he was ‘proud’ to take on the role and that he has admired the work of the company’s Americas team for years: ‘It is an honour to lead a dedicated team of experts that has been an inspiration to all of Christie’s and to the art world for so long.’
He will have big shoes to fill: Christie’s Americas market has grown over Brennan’s time in the position to account for 48 percent of its auction sales.
In January, the company announced that CEO Guillaume Cerutti would step down after eight years to take a leadership role at the Pinault Collection in Paris. Like Christie’s, the collection is listed under billionaire François Pinault’s investment group Artémis. —[O]
Main image: Julien Pradels. Courtesy Christie's.
A respected voice in contemporary art discourse.
Focusing on ambitious storytelling and insightful art-world commentary. Ocula Magazine publishes in-depth interviews, critical essays and timely analysis on the artists, exhibitions and ideas driving the global art world.
Learn more about Ocula Magazine
Showcasing the best of the art world.
Ocula partners with galleries from around the world to highlight their artists, artworks and exhibitions. Gallery membership is by application and invitation, with each member vetted by an independent panel.
Learn more about Ocula Membership
Specialises in the sale of major artworks.
Led by a team with deep ties to the world’s leading auction houses, galleries and collectors. Ocula’s advisory team offers bespoke services to high-net-worth clients from around the world who are looking to acquire the best of contemporary and modern art.
Learn more about our team and services