NEW YORK, NY.- Phillips announced the appointment of Jean-Paul Engelen to President, Americas. In this newly created role, Mr. Engelen will be responsible for the oversight of Phillips’ client and business activities across the region, ensuring effective implementation of the company’s strategic plans in the Americas. In addition to his role as President, Americas, he will continue as Worldwide Co-Head of 20th Century & Contemporary Art.

“Jean-Paul has been instrumental in Phillips’ growth and success since joining the firm in 2015,” said Stephen Brooks, Phillips’ Chief Executive Officer. “From overseeing Phillips’ first Evening Sale in Hong Kong in 2016 to hosting the most successful auction in Phillips’ 225-year history this past November, Jean-Paul has helped to build and lead one of the strongest teams across the industry. We look forward to seeing his innovative drive extend beyond 20th Century & Contemporary Art, as he guides our team across the Americas.”

Under the joint leadership of Mr. Engelen alongside Robert Manley, Phillips’ 20th Century & Contemporary Art department has seen extraordinary growth. Their vision has been to create a destination where the very best of blue-chip post-war art is sold alongside cutting edge works by auction newcomers and emerging talent. The determination to drive this forward has led the global team to their most successful year of auctions ever in 2021.

Together with the team, Mr. Engelen has been responsible for many successes since joining Phillips seven years ago, ranging from the sale of David Hockney’s Nichols Canyon, to Winston Churchill’s The Moat, Breccles, to Francis Bacon’s ‘Pope with Owls.’ Since he took the helm in 2015, the 20th Century & Contemporary Art department has seen a 72% increase in auction sales worldwide, with an expansion of talent across all regions.

Mr. Engelen joined Phillips with more than two decades of experience in the auction and private sectors of the art market. With extensive experience working with contemporary artists, Mr. Engelen came to Phillips from Qatar Museums, where he was Director of Public Art Programs for 5 years. In this role, he was responsible for a significant public art installation program, including the production of “East West West East” by Richard Serra, the establishment of an Artist in Residence program and space, as well as many significant Contemporary Art exhibitions. Prior to Qatar Museums, he spent 16 years at Christie’s, with his last four years in the role of Senior Specialist & Director of Post-War and Contemporary Art.