LONDON.- Phillips announced the promotion of Peter Sumner to the role of Deputy Chairman, Europe, and Senior International Specialist, 20th Century & Contemporary Art.

As part of his new role, Mr. Sumner will focus on developing top relationships with European clients to secure works of art for 20th Century & Contemporary Art auctions, developing a network of collectors and dealers to secure consignments, as well as assisting with selling auctions worldwide. In addition, a key part of his role will involve working with the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, the Worldwide Heads of 20th Century & Contemporary Art, and all senior specialists to oversee the coordination of commercials deals in order to win business.

Mr. Sumner will assist with major collection valuations and proposals for consignments, working with other senior members of the specialist teams across all departments to position Phillips as a premier platform for selling works of art. He will also work closely with Cheyenne Westphal, formerly Worldwide Director of Contemporary Art at Sotheby’s, who will join Phillips in March as Chairman, based in London.

“Peter has made an enormous contribution since he joined Phillips nine years ago and I am delighted he is taking on this new role,” said Edward Dolman, Chief Executive Officer. “As a Deputy Chairman, he will be a key member of our global leadership team and will elevate Phillips’ strategy of engaging with collectors as we continue to grow and strengthen our market position. He will also work closely with Phillips’ senior leaders to further develop our top client relationships in Europe and help us win business through the structuring of commercial deals.”

After graduating with a History of Art degree from Cambridge University, Mr. Sumner joined Christie’s in 2004 and left as a Specialist in the Post War and Contemporary Art Department in 2008 to join Phillips as Head of Contemporary Art Day Sale. He was promoted to Head of Evening Sale in January 2010 and then to Head of Contemporary Art Department in October 2012, becoming Head of the 20th Century & Contemporary Art Department in London in November 2015. During his time with Phillips, he has been responsible for world auction records for artists such as Rudolf Stingel, Tauba Auerbach and Ai Weiwei. Regularly introducing new artists to auction he has helped to cement Phillips’ position at the forefront of the contemporary art market.