DALLAS, TX.- Heritage Auctions has announced the appointment of Karl Chiao to the company’s Trusts & Estates department. His office will be at the Slocum Street Design District annex, where Heritage regularly previews its auctions of Furniture & Decorative Arts, Modern & Contemporary Art and Fine Jewelry, among 27 other represented categories.

“Karl has deep ties to the Dallas community through his extensive involvement in various arts, philanthropic and civic organizations; his sterling reputation precedes him,” said Greg Rohan, President of Heritage Auctions. “We are pleased to welcome the considerable history, knowledge and influence that he brings to the position, and we look forward to his continuing the good work of our Trusts & Estates department.”
Karl will be working closely with Mark Prendergast, Heritage’s Director of Trusts & Estates, who is based in Houston, and with Meredith Meuwly, Heritage’s Director of Appraisal Services, also based in Dallas. Heritage offers appraisals of tangible property for federal estate tax, charitable donation, equitable distribution and insurance purposes.

“I am thrilled to be joining one of Dallas’ finest companies,” Karl said. “I remember seeing Heritage’s sign in Highland Park Village when I first arrived in Dallas for law school; and since then, I have seen the company grow in size and scope while maintaining its reputation for excellence in expertise and service. I look forward to being a part of its continued growth.”

Karl grew up in San Antonio after his family moved from Taipei, Taiwan when he was 6. He graduated from Texas A&M University in 1990 with a bachelor’s in political science and business management before coming to Dallas to attend SMU School of Law, where he achieved his Juris Doctorate in 1993.

Karl practiced law for a small boutique law firm in Dallas before joining the family real estate development company, the Woodhill Group, in 1997. In 2006, Karl followed his passion for exotic cars, becoming the Sales Director/Manager for Park Place Maserati /Bentley Dallas/Rolls Royce Motorcars Dallas. Most recently, Karl served as Vice President/Director of Business Development for The Integrated Agency, an advertising/marketing/event production firm. In his capacity with Heritage, Karl will address the needs of fiduciaries (including executors, lawyers, accountants, and trust officers) with the disposition of estates. He looks forward to providing friendly and efficient service, and bringing a full array of captivating properties to auction.