NEW YORK, NY.- Phillips announced the appointment of Takako Nagasawa as a Senior Vice President and International Specialist. The appointment reflects the growth of Phillips’ Modern Art offerings and its importance to the company’s global growth strategy.

A well-regarded industry veteran, Ms. Nagasawa will strengthen the company’s team of international specialists and broaden the range of expertise it offers collectors. While based in New York, she will spend a great deal of time increasing the auction house’s presence in Asia by developing relationships with clients and collectors in this important region.

Ms. Nagasawa joins Phillips from Sotheby’s, where most recently she was Head of Private Sales, Americas, and a Specialist, with added responsibilities for business development in Japan. During her career, she has also served as a Director for Sotheby’s Japan and an Underwriter for Chubb Insurance in Tokyo.

“We are delighted Takako is joining Phillips and helping us expand our reach in Modern Art, an increasingly important focus for our company,” Robert Manley and Jean-Paul Engelen, Worldwide Co-Heads of 20th Century & Contemporary Art, said. “With her significant experience and passion for engaging with collectors, Takako is a strategic addition to our team as we continue to build our market share in the Modern category and in Asia.”

Ms. Nagasawa will be responsible for generating consignments and selling the 20th Century & Contemporary Art sales on a global basis, with an emphasis on strengthening Phillips’s active client base in the Modern category. She will also promote the Phillips brand internationally to support and lead cross-departmental business getting and brand initiatives, along with developing a network of top collectors and clients across all of our selling categories.