NEW YORK, NY.- Christie's Global President Alex Rotter announced today that Max Carter—a renowned specialist and deal maker—has been named chairman of 20th and 21st Century Art for the Americas.

Carter joined Christie's in 2007 and served as Head of Impressionist and Modern Art in the Americas for five years of historic success from 2017-2022. Over the last decade, he has played an instrumental role in Christie's leadership in masterpieces, landmark collections, and 20th century art. He has overseen many of the top collection sales of all time, including Anne Bass, Paul Allen, S.I. Newhouse and Mica Ertegun, and through his passion, creativity, and conviction, he has shattered records for masterpieces across categories from Rousseau to Ruscha.

“Passion, expertise, and creativity are our greatest strengths at Christie's, and Max exemplifies all of them,” said Alex Rotter. “Max is a highly respected colleague, a trusted advisor, and a savvy deal maker. His experience in and understanding of the global art market will inform our strategy, in the saleroom and across private sales. With the support of our outstanding, well-established, respected senior team, the Americas is in the best hands.”

Carter, who will report to the Global President, earned his BA at Oxford and has an MBA and MA in Asian Studies from Columbia. He writes widely on modern art and contributes regularly to The Wall Street Journal.

“When Christie's established the 20/21 division in 2021, combining the best of the modern categories across the company, it reflected the perspective of buyers and the aspirations of young experts like me,” said Carter. “In the years since, the things that set Christie's apart—culture, innovation and, above all, expertise—have only grown stronger. I am very proud and humbled to lead the 20/21 team in the Americas I have learned so much from, to deliver the best and most thoughtful service and results for our clients, and to create the specialist of the future.”

Global auction sales for the 20/21 cluster at Christie's totalled $2.7B in 2024. The category is the leading contributor to Christie's sales—globally and in the Americas—at both auction and in private sales.