LONDON.- Christie's announces that Orlando Rock has been appointed Chairman of Christie's UK, marking his 25th year at the company. He is recognised as one of the world's leading specialists in the decorative arts, alongside his other role as joint custodian, with his wife, of Burghley House, one of the largest and grandest Elizabethan houses in the Country.

In his new position, Orlando will work closely with the Chairman’s office teams and the specialist departments. Orlando has travelled extensively around the UK working closely with clients, professional advisors, institutions and those responsible form some of the most important historic houses in the country. Formerly Director and Head of Private Collections and Country House Sales, he was the inspiration behind the highly successful Exceptional Sales, now held annually in both London and New York. He is known to have one of the best eye’s in the business, and spearheaded the vogue for curating sales to inspire eclectic collecting and bold design choices.

Jussi Pylkkänen, Global President of Christie’s, said: “Art collecting is truly global and our clients wish to work across sale locations, across collecting categories and acquire or sell via auction, private sale and online. Christie’s Chairmen and Deputy Chairmen across the globe are informed, passionate and devoted to helping collectors. As a team they are a vital part of our activities, working daily with clients to help support and navigate all the opportunities for collecting offered at Christie’s and beyond. Orlando’s appointment will continue to ensure this critical role in the UK as our business continues to evolve.”

Orlando Rock started at Christie's London in 1990 working on the sales of both Important French and English Furniture in London. He transferred to Christie's New York in 1998, where he oversaw many historic sales including those from Houghton, Bute and Longleat, to French furniture from the Alexander and Riahi Collection. In 2002, Orlando returned to London to head the newly-established Private Collection and Country House Sale Department. He has since overseen a number of major sales including The Collection of HRH The Princess Margaret; the Collection of Simon Sainsbury, The Collection of Giorgio Marsan and Umberta Nasi; Property From the Collection of King George I of the Hellenes; and The Champalimaud Collection. In July 2010 he oversaw the sale of an exceptional selection of furniture, works of art and porcelain formerly from Spencer House, the London town house of the Spencer family. More recently he has established a new sale category for Decorative Arts, The Exceptional Sale, which having become a regular feature in the London auction calendar, successfully expanded to New York in 2014.