HONG KONG.- Sotheby’s announced that Yasuaki Ishizaka will rejoin the Company as Chairman and Managing Director, Sotheby’s Japan. Based in Tokyo, Mr. Ishizaka will be responsible for leading the local team and driving Sotheby’s business and presence in Japan. He will also play a key role in Sotheby’s business development strategy working closely with the Company's international leadership. Mr. Ishizaka begins with Sotheby’s in early September.

“Sotheby’s leadership in Japan – one of the greatest locations of Eastern and Western collections, as well as home to some of the world’s most refined art, jewelry, wine, and car enthusiasts – will only grow stronger with Aki’s appointment,” said Tad Smith, Sotheby’s CEO.

Mr. Ishizaka rejoins Sotheby’s from his eponymous art advisory business, which he launched in 2015. From 2005 to 2014, Mr. Ishizaka was the President and Managing Director of Sotheby’s Japan, where he played a key role in driving the Company’s performance. He has strong ties with major Japanese collectors, having introduced many of them to the auction world.

“We are delighted to welcome Aki back to Sotheby’s,” said Kevin Ching, CEO of Sotheby’s Asia. “Not only is Aki an art world veteran with over three decades in the field, he also has extensive experience in both auction and private sales businesses. His expertise and deep relationships with collectors will be extremely valuable for our further growth in Japan.” Valentino Carlotti, Sotheby’s Global Head of Business Development added, “Aki will be an outstanding addition to our team of Chairmen who play a critical role in driving our business internationally.”

“I am tremendously excited to return to Sotheby’s – a place that is both familiar and new, as the company continues to chart exciting and innovative paths around the world,” commented Yasuaki Ishizaka. “I look forward to working with the talented team in Asia and around the world to further develop the Japanese market and strengthen its standing on the global stage.”

Mr. Ishizaka began his career at the Japanese trading company, Mitsubishi Corporation, where he spent seven years before turning to the art world and opening his own gallery in 1987. He focused on a number of established and emerging artists, including Sigmar Polke. Throughout his career, he successfully placed works by major artists, including Gerhard Richter, Yayoi Kusama, Andreas Gursky, and Georg Baselitz, among others, in Japanese public museums, and was also instrumental in building a Japanese corporate collection of American Contemporary art in the mid-1990s.