Christie’s Appoints Kevin Ching As Chairman, Asia

With a wealth of experience in the art and luxury industry in Asia and an exceptional network, Kevin will play an instrumental role in deepening and expanding Christie’s client relationships across the region as a member of Christie’s global Executive Management Group. He also will collaborate with colleagues internationally to cultivate Asian collecting in Christie’s salerooms worldwide.

Francis Belin, President, Christie’s Asia Pacific commented: “I am delighted to welcome Kevin to Christie’s in the role of Chairman, Asia. Kevin is a highly respected figure in the industry and his presence on our Asia Pacific leadership team will further strengthen and grow our client network in the region. Asia’s market momentum continues to be strong and globally influential, and Kevin’s appointment is part of Christie’s long-term and strategic commitment to enhancing our business in the region, as we prepare for the pivotal relocation of our Asia Pacific headquarters to The Henderson in Hong Kong in 2024.”

Kevin Ching, Chairman, Asia remarked: “It is an honour to be joining Christie’s at such an important and exciting moment for the business in Asia and as the region’s art and luxury market thrives. My passion for the industry is steadfast and this role will allow me to further foster and cultivate relationships with Asia’s esteemed collectors. I share Christie’s strategic vision for the future of the auction market, and I look forward to empowering Asian clients on their collecting journeys around the world in my new capacity.”

Kevin brings to Christie’s more than 17 years of broad experience in strategic business planning and client development in Asia. In his previous role as Sotheby’s Chief Executive Officer in Asia from 2006 to 2021, Kevin was responsible for the auction house’s strategic expansion in the region, particularly into Mainland China. Some of his notable achievements include organising the world’s largest exhibition of more than 100 sets of Ming Dynasty furniture from the renowned private collection of Grace Wu Bruce; the record-breaking sale of the highly important Barbara Hutton-Mdivani jadeite necklace (currently showing at the ‘Cartier and Women’ Exhibition at the Hong Kong Palace Museum) and the sale of the ‘Mesmerising Landscape’ painting by Zhang Daqian in 2022 for US$47 million, a new world record at auction.

Image : Kevin Ching (left), incoming Asia chairman, and Francis Belin, Asia-Pacific president, at Christie’s. Photo: Handout