NEW YORK, NY.- Phillips announced the appointment of Cândida Sodré as Regional Director in Brazil, part of the company’s significant international expansion strategy.

Ms. Sodré will play an important role in enhancing Phillips’ brand in Latin America. She will work with Phillips specialists across all departmental categories to support the auction house’s business development efforts by cultivating networks of collectors, art dealers and enthusiasts. She will work especially closely with the 20th Century & Contemporary Art Department and the Latin American Art team. Ms. Sodré joins Phillips from Christie’s, where she was a Director overseeing its Rio de Janeiro office.

In addition to Ms. Sodré, Phillips recently appointed Cecilia Laffan as its Regional Director for Mexico, and named Vivian Pfeiffer as Head of Business Development and Deputy Chairman for the Americas, adding considerable expertise and depth to the company’s work with collectors and consigners in the United States and Latin America. Ms. Sodré will report to Ms. Pfeiffer.

“We are delighted that Cândida is joining Phillips and helping us expand our reach in Brazil, which is increasingly becoming one of the most important cultural hubs of the world,” said Edward Dolman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “Cândida has a deep knowledge of the Latin American art market and a great dedication to helping collectors navigate the art world. With her significant experience and passion for engaging with collectors, Cândida is a strategic addition to our team as we continue to increase our market share in Latin American art.”

As Director of Christie’s Rio de Janeiro office, Ms. Sodré was an integral part of the auction house’s regional network of offices. Appointed Vice President and Director of the Rio de Janeiro office in 2012, she joined Christie’s in 1993 as a Regional Representative of Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte, Brasilia, Recife and Fortaleza. In this position, she assisted potential buyers, consignors and institutions regarding the sale of works of art, collections, contents of houses and estates at auction, along with performing appraisals. Ms. Sodré started her career as a journalist and a press officer.

Phillips' Latin American Art department is experiencing exponential growth. Between 2009 and 2015, the department’s auction sales increased more than 300% as it continues to lead the market for Latin American contemporary art while building a platform for works by modern masters such as Diego Rivera, Rufino Tamayo and Amelia Peláez. The department had a spectacular achievement in 2016 with the $15.7 million private sale of Diego Rivera’s Baile en Tehuantepec, a record price for a work of Latin American art. Phillips is leading the market capturing younger audiences and collectors, in addition to catering to the traditional and well-established Latin American art market.

Phillips is in the midst of a major international expansion: Along with establishing its Hong Kong office, the company added regional directors or specialists in Los Angeles, Seattle, Mexico City, Cologne, Tokyo, Seoul and Taipei in the past year.