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Bonhams appoints new managing director for Asian region
Auction house Bonhams has appointed Julia Hu as its new managing director, Asia, effective from Monday 14 March 2022.
Based in Hong Kong, Hu will join a leadership team in Asia made up of Malcolm Barber, co-chairman and CEO Asia, and Bobbie Hu, chairman Greater China, to drive Bonhams’ business expansion and presence in Asia.
As part of the auction house’s strategy, sale rooms will be located in Hong Kong and Sydney, as well as representatives in such key areas as Beijing, Shanghai, Taipei, Singapore, Melbourne and Tokyo.
Prior to joining Bonhams, Hu was the general manager for China at Christie’s for nine years. During her tenure, she oversaw the business development across the country and achieved dramatic year-on-year annual sales growth from both auctions and private sales. As Christie’s ambassador in China, she has also been responsible for managing the company’s relationship with both the government and top collectors.
Earlier on in her career at Christie’s, Hu occupied the senior roles of strategy director, Asia, and head of Asia regional offices, during which time she built extensive client connections through her knowledge of the key markets.
Before joining the auction industry, Hu worked in management consulting at McKinsey, guiding multi-national companies and Chinese state-owned companies on their organisational restructuring, sales and marketing strategy in Asia. Hu holds an MBA degree from INSEAD.
Hu said of her new appointment: “Bonhams has an enviable reputation, and I am thrilled to be joining the company at such an exciting time in its history. I am relishing the opportunity to use my knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to drive even greater business development in Asia in the future.”
Bruno Vinciguerra, Bonhams CEO, commented: “Julia is a great talent with a proven track record of commercial success, not only in China but across Asia. Her many achievements speak for themselves and I am very pleased to welcome her on board to further expand our business in Asia – now our fastest-growing market and strategic priority.”
Malcolm Barber, Bonhams CEO, Asia, added: “I am delighted that Julia is joining the Bonhams team in Asia and I am much looking forward to working with her in the years ahead.”