HONG KONG.- Phillips announced the appointment of Robert Sleigh as Managing Director, Asia, based in Hong Kong. Mr. Sleigh brings with his extensive experience in the global auction industry across Asia, US, and Europe, as well as comprehensive knowledge within all areas of the art market. In this new leadership position, Mr. Sleigh will be responsible for implementing, managing, and optimising all procedural and operational aspects of Phillips in the region with a focus on realising the company’s vision and strategic plan alongside accelerating the growth of the brand. He will oversee Phillips’ Business Development team in Asia and work in partnership with the Global Chief Marketing Officer to manage the marketing and communications team in the region.

“I am delighted to welcome Robert to Phillips as we are gearing up to move into our new Asia headquarters in Hong Kong this Spring,” said Jonathan Crockett, Chairman, Asia, Phillips. “We remain deeply committed to broadening our presence in this region, which represents one of the most important geographies for the international art and luxury markets. Phillips’ rapid growth in Asia is testament to our innovative strategy and unique selling proposition. I believe this new appointment will put us in a strong position to capture the enormous potential for Phillips in the region. I look forward to seeing his contribution to Phillips through this year and beyond.”

Prior to joining Phillips, Mr. Sleigh served as Managing Director – Business Operations at Sotheby’s in Hong Kong for eight years, where he was responsible for Post-sale and Pre-sale administration, Operations and Logistics as well as Client Strategy, Communications and Marketing. His illustrious career at Sotheby’s started in the company’s Wine department in New York in 1996 and he moved to Hong Kong in 2010 as Head of Sotheby’s Wine, Asia, during which he expanded Sotheby’s wine business throughout the region and launched the house’s retail wine business in 2014. He is also an experienced auctioneer and has conducted numerous important sales and charity auctions throughout his career in the auction world.

Phillips continues to see significant growth in Asia year on year, and the development of Asia remains a key strategic focus for the company. This year, Phillips is entering into a new era in the region with a spectacular new headquarters in the WKCDA Tower in Hong Kong’s vibrant West Kowloon Cultural District, designed by Herzog & de Meuron and LAAB Architects. The new Asia headquarters features over 50,000 square feet spreading a total of six floors, where Phillips will be the first auction house in Hong Kong to have a permanent purpose-built exhibition space, saleroom, café and VIP lounge, allowing for year-round events and auctions in its own space. The state-of-the-art galleries and saleroom will open with the exhibition of 20th Century & Contemporary Art in March, coinciding with Art Basel Hong Kong, leading up to the auctions in early April.