NEW YORK, NY.- Hauser & Wirth announced that Graham Steele will join the gallery as Senior Director at Hauser Wirth & Schimmel in April 2015. Based in Los Angeles, Steele will lead the sales team with a focus on both primary and secondary market sales, build new client relationships and work with Hauser & Wirth's artists to manage their global presence and forge new connections. He will also have responsibility for developing and curating site-specific projects and exhibitions.

Following a Masters in art history at University College London, Steele began his career working in client services for Sotheby's. He has been with White Cube since 2006, most recently as the Senior Director of White Cube in Asia, where he was responsible for launching the Hong Kong space, including building the team and devising the exhibition programme.

Iwan Wirth says, 'We couldn't be more thrilled that Graham is coming on board. With his wealth of experience, he will be a great asset as we prepare to launch Hauser Wirth & Schimmel next year.'

Hauser Wirth & Schimmel is due to open in an historic 100,000 square foot flour mill complex in downtown Los Angeles in January 2016, under the direction of Partner and Vice President Paul Schimmel. Hauser Wirth & Schimmel will transform the site's sprawling collection of late 19th and early 20th century buildings and outdoor spaces into a dynamic multi-disciplinary arts centre, offering innovative exhibitions, museum-calibre amenities, and a robust schedule of public programmes that contextualise the art on view, drawing upon, illuminating, and contributing to the urban culture of LA. Hauser Wirth & Schimmel will be the sixth location of Hauser & Wirth worldwide.

Los Angeles artists represented by Hauser & Wirth include Mark Bradford, Thomas Houseago, Richard Jackson, Rachel Khedoori, Paul McCarthy, Sterling Ruby, Diana Thater, and the late artists Allan Kaprow, Jason Rhoades and the Mike Kelley Foundation for the Arts.