LONDON.- Phillips announced the appointment of Martin Wilson as Chief General Counsel.

Based in London, Mr. Wilson will assume responsibility for Phillips’ global legal and compliance functions and will also play an active role in Phillips’ top client business development and deal-making activities. Jonathan Illari, General Counsel, Americas, will retain his responsibilities overseeing the legal functions in North America, reporting to Mr. Wilson.

Mr. Wilson joins Phillips following a 20-year career at Christie’s, where he was most recently global managing director and general counsel to the President’s office. Prior to this, he was co-head of the legal and compliance department, leading Christie’s global team of art lawyers.

“I have worked with Martin for many years and I am delighted he’s joining us at Phillips,” said Edward Dolman, Chief Executive Officer. “He brings with him considerable knowledge and a long track record of successfully negotiating high value art transactions and resolving complex disputes, with extensive experience working throughout Europe, Asia and the U.S. We are building extraordinary momentum at Phillips and I am pleased that Martin will help us navigate through complex issues around the world.”

Phillips has accomplished a number of significant achievements in 2018. Most recently, the company’s sales in Hong Kong achieved the highest auction total in its history. That followed record-breaking results in the company’s 20th Century & Contemporary Evening Sale in London; a record-breaking sale for its New Now auction in London; the highest total ever for an Editions auction; the highest total ever for a watch auction held over a single weekend; and the largest Day Sale of 20th Century & Contemporary Art in its history.