Bonnie Brennan appointed as Christie’s New CEO
Christie’s has announced that Bonnie Brennan will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) on February 1, 2025, following the full support and approval of the Pinault family and the recommendation of Guillaume Cerutti. This leadership change comes as Cerutti transitions to a broader role, overseeing the artistic and cultural activities of the Pinault family’s holding company, Artémis. Cerutti will also become the President of the Pinault Collection while continuing his position as Chairman of the Christie’s Board.
Cerutti’s tenure as Christie’s CEO for the past eight years has been marked by remarkable achievements, including record-breaking sales, major acquisitions, and global expansion. Under his leadership, Christie’s has set new benchmarks, such as the historic sale of Leonardo da Vinci’s Salvator Mundi in 2017, the David Rockefeller Collection in 2018, and Beeple’s Everydays: The First 5000 Days in 2021. His efforts have propelled the company into new territories, including the acquisition of Gooding & Co and the relocation of its APAC headquarters.
François Pinault and François-Henri Pinault, major stakeholders in Christie’s, expressed their gratitude for Cerutti’s leadership, praising his significant contributions to the company. They emphasized that, under this new organizational structure, Cerutti will focus on overseeing art-related projects across their entities, ensuring the company’s continued growth in the global art market.
“We are deeply grateful for the positive changes and successes under Guillaume’s leadership,” said François Pinault. “We are thrilled to announce Bonnie Brennan as the new CEO, confident that her wealth of experience will help Christie’s continue to thrive, benefiting clients and art enthusiasts worldwide.”
Brennan, who joined Christie’s in 2012, has held various key leadership positions within the company. Most recently, as President of Christie’s Americas, she has overseen substantial growth in the region, which now accounts for 48% of the company’s auction sales. With 28 years of experience in the art market, Brennan has been instrumental in securing high-profile collections and propelling Christie’s to new heights.
“I am honored to be appointed as Christie’s CEO,” said Brennan. “Guillaume has been an inspiring leader, and I look forward to continuing our work together as he transitions to his new role. I am privileged to lead the global Christie’s team, and I am excited to build on our 259-year legacy of connecting exceptional art to passionate audiences.”
Cerutti also expressed confidence in Brennan’s leadership, stating that she possesses the qualities necessary to uphold Christie’s market leadership and expand its influence globally.
Christie’s has seen tremendous growth under Cerutti’s leadership, from record-breaking sales to strategic acquisitions. Brennan’s appointment signals the next chapter in Christie’s storied legacy, as the company continues to innovate and expand its reach in the art world.