PARIS.- Bonhams has appointed Patrick Masson as Director of its European operation. Based at Bonhams’ rapidly growing saleroom in Paris, Patrick will spearhead the company’s expansion in Europe. Bonhams, which already has a strong network of offices and representatives across the continent, has recently acquired Bukowskis, the leading auction house in Scandinavia, which is based in Stockholm, Sweden.

Patrick joined Bonhams in March 2020 as Managing Director of Bonhams UK. Over the past two years he has been central to the transformation of Bonhams in the UK, including steering the company successfully through the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic and pioneering innovative new sale categories such as The Male Form, The Mind’s Eye/Surrealist Sale, British. Cool and Pop x Culture.

Patrick has also been responsible for Bonhams representatives in Europe and for the establishment of Bonhams Paris Saleroom which, in 2021, offered 16 sales with a full sales calendar of more than 30 planned for 2022.

Patrick joined Bonhams as Managing Director, UK after successful careers at senior level at both Christie’s and Sotheby’s. As business manager for Christie’s France from 1996-2006, he played a central role in establishing the auction house as a leading player in France. At Sotheby’s he worked in senior roles in London and Paris. In this latter capacity, Masson established and developed new sales and markets, and established Europe as the highest contributor to Sotheby’s global revenues. Additionally, he drove restructuring and expansion programmes in the Middle East, India and Russia.

Patrick Masson, Director, Bonhams Europe, said: “I have hugely enjoyed my time in London, but this is the right moment to be returning to Paris to concentrate on the important task of expanding and developing the business in Europe. We start from strong foundations with a very capable and dedicated team of representatives throughout Europe and ambitious plans to develop the Paris saleroom over the coming years. The acquisition of Bukowskis – a highly respected and successful player in the Nordic market – is an important step towards building a wider presence in Europe. There is much to be done and I am looking forward to the challenge.”

Bruno Vinciguerra, Bonhams CEO, said: “Patrick’s contribution to the success and profitability of Bonhams in the UK over the past two years has been immense. His strategic vision, ability to win trust and support for decisive change and his enthusiasm to lead by example have been key factors in his success in London. These are attributes that Patrick will now bring to taking Bonhams business in Europe to new levels.”