HDH chairman to retire

John Hart, co-founder and chairman of Chicago auction house Hart Davis Hart, is to retire this July it has been announced.

From 1 July he will become chairman emeritus at the house, which he helped found 11 years ago with Paul Hart and Michael Davis.

A long-standing figure in the Chicago fine wine trade, he set up the Chicago Wine Company in 1973 and John Hart Fine Wine in 1993 after a time as a consultant for Christie’s

“After 42 years in the wine business – forming the Chicago Wine Company, John Hart Fine Wine Ltd., and Hart Davis Hart Wine Co., it is time to transition from active involvement,” he said.

“I planned to stay at HDH as long as I felt it was important to be here.

“I know that the highly-developed professional team, under Paul’s guidance, will continue to maintain the high standards and integrity that are the foundation of this company. The principals know they can call on me to assist in any way and in any capacity. I love the wine world and will continue to follow it closely. Personally, I will continue my involvement with a myriad of philanthropic and family interests.”

CEO, Paul Hart, added: “John Hart has provided extraordinary leadership, guidance, and expertise to the fine wine industry, and to Hart Davis Hart specifically, over these many years.

“John is a trusted advisor to countless collectors of fine wine who work with Hart Davis Hart, and he is a wonderful business partner. We look forward to continuing to work and collaborate with John, rely on his experience, and seek his advice for many years in the future.”