Christie’s announced Wednesday the appointment of Marc Porter as Chairman, Americas, reporting into Guillaume Cerutti, Chief Executive Officer. He will lead the region’s expanding client and business development activities and serve as a key member of the company’s Executive Management Group which guides the firm’s global strategy together with the board. This role is an expansion of his previous responsibilities at Christie’s and will include a focus on private sales – an area of excellence that Marc championed prior to his departure in December 2015.

“Marc’s appointment as Chairman, Americas complements the changes we made at the board and executive levels late last year and marks a further step in the refinement of our structure as we plan for growth opportunities ahead,” commented Guillaume Cerutti, Chief Executive Officer, Christie’s. “We remain committed to investing in our team and in our client-focused culture at Christie’s and we look forward to welcoming Marc back in this expanded role.”

Mr. Porter worked at Christie’s for 25 years in leadership roles of increasing responsibility, including Chairman and President of the Americas, International Head of Private Sales, President of Christie’s, Japan, Head of Trusts and Estates, and International Managing Director of Christie’s Impressionist and Modern, Post-War and Contemporary Art Departments.  As a key client strategy advisor and business development executive, he has overseen many of the firm’s most successful and high-profile collection sales, including those of Robert Ellsworth, Elizabeth Taylor, Mrs. Sidney F. Brody, and the Estate of Andy Warhol.

Mr. Porter is a Trustee of the New York Botanical Garden and will continue to look for ways to deepen his engagement with this National Historic Landmark that is the one of the most important scientific and cultural institutions in New York.  He is especially committed to the health of non-profit organizations around the Nation and will be increasingly involved in Christie’s support of our Partners in that sector.  Prior to joining Christie’s in 1990, he was associated with the New York law firm of Proskauer Rose. He also held positions with the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and the office of the general counsel of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

“I am thrilled to be returning to Christie’s in a new role that allows me to work with clients, mentor colleagues and engage with works of art.  Incubating the talents of all people in the organization and working on large strategic projects has long been my primary interest and I now have an opportunity to do that at the highest level in the art field,” commented Marc Porter.