Christie’s, one of the world’s most prominent auction houses, has announced the appointment of Bonnie Brennan as its new Chief Executive Officer. Brennan, who joined the company in 2012, succeeds Guillaume Cerutti, who has served as CEO since 2016. Brennan will officially assume her new role on February 1, 2025.
This leadership change comes as Cerutti transitions to become president of the Pinault Collection and Christie’s chairman, a decision approved and fully supported by the Pinault family, owners of Christie’s through their Artemis holding company. Brennan is only the second woman to hold the CEO position at the auction house, following Patricia Barbizet, who led Christie’s from 2014 to 2016.
A Proven Leader in the Art World
Brennan, 51, has steadily risen through Christie’s ranks, holding several key leadership roles. Since 2021, she has served as president of the Americas, overseeing operations that accounted for 48% of Christie’s global auction sales in 2024. Despite a challenging year marked by a 6% decline in total sales to $5.7 billion, Brennan has been credited with maintaining the company’s robust presence in the Americas.
In her new role, Brennan will oversee Christie’s 1,600 employees and focus on innovation while honoring the company’s 259-year legacy. Speaking during a press conference, Brennan expressed her commitment to continuing the auction house’s tradition of excellence.
“The global Christie’s team reflects unmatched passion, talent, and dedication to our clients and one another,” she said. “To lead this extraordinary group of people is a privilege that I take very seriously. I look forward to building on our legacy of connecting exceptional art and objects to passionate audiences.”
Cerutti Reflects on Accomplishments and Future
During his tenure as CEO, Guillaume Cerutti guided Christie’s through notable achievements, including the sale of 10 artworks for more than $100 million each and a commitment to reducing the company’s carbon footprint. His leadership emphasized teamwork and sustainable growth, qualities he highlighted while endorsing Brennan’s appointment.
“It’s teamwork, and it’s also why it’s extremely important for me to make sure that the transition and the future of this company are kept on the same trajectory,” Cerutti said. “Bonnie is the right person for this.”
A Legacy of Excellence
As CEO, Brennan will be tasked with steering Christie’s through an evolving art market, where innovation and adaptability are key to maintaining its status as a global leader. Her leadership comes at a pivotal moment, as the auction house balances heritage preservation with the integration of new technologies and sustainability practices.
The Pinault family’s continued involvement underscores their commitment to Christie’s long-term success. Francois Pinault, the billionaire owner of the company, remains a key figure in shaping its vision and operations.
A New Chapter Begins
With Brennan at the helm, Christie’s embarks on a new chapter, defined by her deep understanding of the art world and proven leadership within the organization. As she takes on her new responsibilities, the auction house is poised to uphold its legacy while embracing the opportunities and challenges of the modern era.
