NEW YORK, NY.- Phillips announced the appointment of Cathy Elkies as Chief Marketing & Business Development Officer, adding considerable expertise and depth to the companys work with collectors and consignors across the globe.
Overseeing Phillips Marketing and Business Development strategy, Ms. Elkies, formerly of Christies, will lead efforts to further the companys brand positioning, drive an integrated content and communications strategy, and enhance client engagement endeavors. In addition, she will play a key role ensuring that Phillips takes a holistic approach to integrating global arts partnerships, exhibitions, events and tours, assuming oversight for the New York auction site.
In leading the companys worldwide business development teams, she will work closely with Vivian Pfeiffer, Head of Business Development and Deputy Chairman, Americas; Guy Vesey, Head of Business Development, Europe; Lilly Chan, Managing Director in Asia; and specialists around the world to support Phillips increasing global client base and work with leading and emerging collectors.
We are delighted to have Cathy join our team as were building extraordinary momentum around the world, said Edward Dolman, Chief Executive Officer. As a key member of our global leadership team, she will elevate Phillips strategy of engaging with clients and expanding our brands reach as we continue to grow market share. Cathy will collaborate across the business to provide strategic leadership with our vast network of specialists and business development teams who serve multiple regions and collecting interests. With her significant experience and passion for art and auctions, I look forward to Cathy playing a central role in helping us achieve the next level of growth.
Phillips is in the midst of unprecedented growth. In 2017, total sales were $708.8 million, an increase of more than 80% since 2014 when Mr. Dolman became CEO. The company also greatly expanded its international presence in recent seasons, opening a headquarters in Hong Kong along with regional offices in Los Angeles, Chicago, Mexico City, Tokyo, Seoul, Cologne, and Antwerp, among many others, and deepened its areas of expertise across all collecting categories. Ms. Elkies will be instrumental in bringing this momentum forward as Phillips strives to build market share.
Ms. Elkies joins Phillips from Christies, where she most recently served as Global Managing Director, 20th and 21st Century Art & Design, working with five global departments: 20th Century Design, Photographs, Prints, Pop Culture & Posters, and Handbags. During her time at Christies, she also served as Global Managing Director of Client Strategy, and previously launched the Iconic Collections department. In addition, she served as President of Christies East and Managing Director of its Los Angeles office.
Ms. Elkies will be based in the companys New York headquarters.