NEW YORK, NY.- Phillips announced the appointment of Graeme Thompson as Worldwide Head of Jewelry, marking an important milestone in the development of the company’s rapidly expanding jewelry department. He is based in Hong Kong.

Mr. Thompson will create a strategy for Phillips’ global jewelry business, a fast-growing segment in the auction world. In his new role, he will be responsible for developing a global team in New York, London, Hong Kong and Geneva, working with new and existing clients on consignment opportunities and creating cross-marketing opportunities within Phillips.

“We are delighted that Graeme has joined Phillips at a time when we’re expanding rapidly across the globe,” said Edward Dolman, Chief Executive Officer. “Graeme will offer the department strategic direction and a point of view to create an innovative and contemporary jewelry offering that will appeal to the growing collectors of art, watches and design. There is tremendous opportunity to build a highly competitive jewelry business with a modern sensibility in today’s auction market, and I believe Graeme has the expertise and creativity to help us reach the next level of development in our jewelry sales.”

Mr. Thompson joins Phillips from Bonhams, where he was Director of Jewelry in Asia. During his tenure, he built a highly successful team of international specialists and support staff, establishing the department as a major alternative to other international auction houses for buyers and consignors. Under his leadership, the department consistently achieved among the highest hammer totals per auction for the company in Asia and for the Jewelry department globally.

“I am delighted to join Phillips at such an exciting time of rapid expansion,” said Mr. Thompson. “With nearly 20 years of experience and having worked extensively within the American, Asian and European markets, I plan to draw on my knowledge and network to support and enhance the jewelry department worldwide.”

The development of the Jewelry Department is part of Phillips’ significant expansion of recent years, adding a complimentary category to the company’s fast-growing areas of focus in the 20th and 21st centuries. The company has already had a number of successful auctions in Hong Kong and held its first sale in New York under the supervision of Susan Abeles, who joined Phillips last year as Head of the Americas. Mr. Thompson will also work closely with Terry Chu, who as Head of Phillips’ Jewelry department in Asia led the company’s first successful auctions in Hong Kong; and Myriam Christinaz and Bart van Son, Co-International Business Directors.