SANTA MONICA, CA.- Global collector car auction powerhouse Gooding Christie's today announces two key appointments to advance its strategic expansion across the UK and EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) markets. Geneva-based Oliver Camelin, formerly of RM Sotheby's, has been appointed Managing Director, EMEA - Gooding Christie's, and London-based James Knight, formerly of Bonhams, Brooks, and Christie's, has joined as Consultant (Senior Specialist). Camelin and Knight will work closely with Gooding Christie's global specialists, particularly Ben Willis in the UK and Mathieu Heurtault in France, as well as the executive team to foster continued growth in these markets, especially ahead of the company's inaugural European auction set to take place on Thursday, 29 January 2026 as the official auction house of Rétromobile in Paris.
“We are delighted to welcome Oliver and Jamie to the Gooding Christie's team and are excited for the prospects of continued growth and development which will certainly be bolstered by their combined knowledge, expertise, and renown in this industry,” said Gooding Christie's President, David Gooding. “This marks another important milestone in our sustained global expansion, and we are proud to better serve our loyal clientele with a broadened base of specialists and executives in the US, UK, Europe, and beyond.”
Oliver Camelin, Managing Director, EMEA - Gooding Christie's
Gooding Christie's has appointed Oliver Camelin as Managing Director, EMEA - Gooding Christie's. Based in Geneva, Switzerland, Oliver will help lead the auction house's strategy, operations, and client development across the key regions of Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, working closely with global leadership to expand Gooding Christie's international presence and reinforce its position at the top of the collector car market. Oliver brings with him extensive experience in the industry, having previously served as Director of Sales, Switzerland, and Head of Private Sales, Europe, for RM Sotheby's. During his longstanding tenure in the industry, Oliver has been instrumental in securing and managing significant consignments, including major single-owner collections and rare, high-value vehicles that achieved benchmark results at auction. Widely regarded as a trusted advisor to leading collectors, he has also served as a judge at prestigious automotive events, including the Eleganza in Movimento at Passione Engadina.
A lifelong automotive enthusiast, Oliver's passion was ignited at an early age through his uncle, endurance racing legend Reinhold Joest, and further developed during his training at BMW AG's management school, where he gained valuable insight across their finance, design, and motorsport divisions. Over the years, he has combined technical knowledge, market insight, and hands-on experience to establish himself as one of the most respected specialists in the field.
“I'm delighted to join Gooding Christie's as Managing Director, EMEA,” said Oliver Camelin. “Guided by our shared belief that quality is our style in everything we do, my focus will be on nurturing long-term client relationships, offering exceptional service, and bringing a thoughtful, measured approach to every experience across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.”
James Knight, Consultant (Senior Specialist)
Gooding Christie's is proud to secure James Knight as a Consultant, based out of London. A key figure in the collector car auction industry since the 1980s, James is well regarded for his expertise, management skills, and proven track record in the automotive world. After getting his start in the business at Christie's in 1982, where he would go on to work in the motor car department, James co-founded Brooks Auctioneers with Robert Brooks in 1989. Brooks enjoyed great success, acquiring Bonhams Auctioneers in 2000, with further expansion following the merger under the old-established Bonhams name. James' career propelled him from saleroom porter to Bonhams Group Motoring Chairman and executive Board Director of Bonhams 1793 Limited.
Throughout the years, James has brought numerous exceptional automobiles to market, many of which have achieved world record prices. He has also masterminded the sales of various prominent single-owner collections, including Rosso Bianco, Bernd Holthusen, Den Hartogh, the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust dispersal, and most recently, the Tom Scott Collection.
In 2021, James founded the James Knight Collectors Car Consultancy, through which he has continued to serve as a trusted adviser to motor manufacturers, trusts, private collections, and public museums. James also continued to serve Bonhams through his consultancy, providing management counsel and sourcing consignments. He looks forward to working again within Christie's umbrella of operations and working alongside David Gooding and the Specialist team.
"I have long admired David and his company from afar. Gooding Christie's reputation speaks for itself and the company is widely acknowledged as being the best in the industry,” said James Knight. “As Gooding Christie's looks to expand into Europe and beyond, with over 40 years of experience in the sector, I offer both consigning ability and counsel on strategy and management. I look forward to supporting Oliver in his new role and offering assistance to the wider team."
