HONG KONG/NEW YORK.- Christie's, the world's leading art business, announced the appointment of Xin Li (李昕) as Asian Business Development Director. In this capacity, she will be responsible for developing new business in Asia and managing relations with Christie’s most important private collectors from Mainland China and Asia. Reporting to François Curiel, President of Asia, and Marc Porter, Chairman of the Americas, Ms. Li will work closely with Ken Yeh, Chairman of Asia, and the International Heads of Christie's Impressionist & Modern, Post War & Contemporary, Jewelry, Old Masters and Asian art departments. Ms. Li will be based in New York and will travel regularly and extensively throughout Asia. She will also participate in all of Christie’s major sales in London, New York, Geneva, Paris and Hong Kong, in order to facilitate the auction needs of Christie's clients.

François Curiel, President of Asia, said: “Asia and China are the most vibrant and robust markets in the world today, yet also the most competitive. This newly created position reflects Christie’s long-term commitment to Asia. Xin Li's appointment will enhance our capability to fulfill the needs of Asian and Chinese collectors who are increasingly looking for the best works of arts around the world.”

Marc Porter, Chairman of the Americas, added, “The links between Asia and the Americas in the art market have never been as strong as they are today, both in consigning and buying great artworks. Xin Li's excellent contacts and insights into bridging cultures, honed by her experience in international creative industries, will be extremely helpful as Christie's expands the breadth and depth of our offering to clients from both regions.”

Prior to joining Christie's, Xin Li was for two years Senior Client Liaison for private clients at an international auction house. Before that she developed considerable experience in the international entertainment and creative industries, having been executive producer for collaborative arts and film projects between China and the U.S., as actress under the ICM stable of artists appearing in major productions, and as model under the Next Model Agency, modelling for fashion powerhouses such as Armani, Gucci, Jean Paul Gaultier, Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Hermès and Givenchy and for international ad campaigns such as L'Oréal, Cartier, Lancôme and BMW. Ms. Li was also Ambassador to the China Team at the prestigious Americas Cup yachting event from 2005 to 2007, working closely with Chinese CEOs and entrepreneurs who sponsored Team China to represent the team at public appearances and during team training.

Additionally, Christie's China Representative Ms. Wang Jie (汪潔) has departed from Christie's to pursue different career options. Her responsibilities have been assumed by Ms. Jane Shan, representative for Christie's Beijing, and Miss Rachel Shen, Junior representative for Christie's Shanghai.