LONDON.- Sotheby’s announces today that Oliver Barker and Mario Tavella, both experienced leaders in their respective fields, have been appointed Co-European Chairmen of the company, joining Philipp Württemberg, Chairman in Europe since 2011.

Maarten ten Holder, Sotheby’s Managing Director for Europe, said: “We are thrilled to see our highly-regarded colleagues Oliver and Mario step into their new roles as Chairmen. Both are great experts with a keen interest in many fields other than their own specialist areas, and both have already made huge contributions to the company’s worldwide efforts. Working alongside Philipp, who for many years has been a driving force in Europe, they will now take on ever-more important and visible roles with our clients, as well as advising senior management on priorities for Sotheby’s in Europe.”

Oliver and Mario will form part of a newly-instituted European Strategy Board. Co-chaired by Philipp Württemberg, Sotheby’s Chairman in Europe & Managing Director, Sotheby’s Germany, and Robin Woodhead, Chairman of Sotheby’s International, the board will include nine other key leaders and specialists in the company. Together, they will help drive strategy for the company’s future growth, not only in the UK and Continental Europe, but also across the Middle East, India and Africa.

Currently one of the most experienced specialists in the field of Contemporary Art and a celebrated auctioneer, Oliver Barker joined Sotheby’s London as a specialist in Impressionist & Modern Art in 1994, quickly rising to the position of Deputy Head of department. In 2001, he transferred to the Contemporary Art department, where he has since been instrumental in helping the London team establish its pre-eminent position. Oliver’s particular passion for Contemporary British art has positioned him as one of the leading ambassadors for the field. He is also one of the most accomplished auctioneers of his generation, who has taken many landmark sales both in London and in New York and will next take to the rostrum for Sotheby’s Evening Sales of Impressionist & Modern and Contemporary Art in May.

Appointed Président-Directeur Général of Sotheby’s France this January, Mario Tavella joined Sotheby’s in 1991 as a specialist in the furniture department. In 1998, he became both Head of Division and a member of the European board. From there he was appointed first European Head of Furniture and Decorative Arts, then Deputy Chairman of Sotheby’s Europe and later, in 2007, co-Chairman of Sotheby’s Italy. During the course of his career, Mario has been the driving force behind no fewer than 50 sales of single-owner collections in many categories in London, Paris, Milan and New York.