LONDON.- Bonhams, the international fine art auction house, this week appointed Deborah Najar Jossa as the company’s representative in the Middle East with particular focus on the GCC countries, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE.

Deborah is a graduate of the London School of Economics and a trained gemmologist. She is a French national and speaks four languages. She arrived in Dubai with her husband in 2004, and joined Salam International where she became General Manager of the Watch and Jewellery Division, around the De Beers Diamond Jewellers Master Franchise. Other brands under franchise include Mauboussin, Victoria Casal, and HStern.

Deborah started her career in banking with Dresdner Kleinwort Benson. She then took on a variety of managerial positions in private equity and internet start ups, helping prepare business cases and raise finance.

Matthew Girling, Bonhams CEO for the UK, Europe and the Middle East, says: “We are delighted to promote Deborah to this new role for Bonhams. Her mix of jewellery and financial skills, and her international network of contacts, will add significantly to our team strength in Dubai and across the Middle East.”