- Location
- China
- Employment
- Full-Time
- Seniority
- Executive
- Department
- Executive & General Management
- Posted
- Nov 10, 2026
About Sotheby's
Sotheby’s is an auction house founded in London in 1744. Its specialists work across fine art and collecting categories including jewelry, watches, handbags, wine, design, and classic cars. The house connects collectors through live and online auctions, private sales, and fixed-price purchases. Its work spans specialist research and cataloging, client services, marketing, technology, finance, and operations, supporting the preparation, sale, and movement of objects across its international network.
The Managing Director leads Sotheby's China business, driving sustainable growth through collector development, partnerships, auctions, and private sales while overseeing operations and compliance. Reporting to the Managing Director, Asia, the role coordinates local, regional, and global teams and defines and executes China strategy.
Role & Responsibilities
- Drive sustainable growth through client development and partnerships while managing all facets of the China business.
- Build and deepen relationships with China-based collectors to secure consignments and increase private sales, serving as senior sponsor for personalized client experiences.
- Identify new client segments and develop strategic partnerships to accelerate growth and originate high-value opportunities.
- Collaborate with specialists, category leaders, and regional and global teams to optimize cross-category sales and align priorities.
- Cultivate trusted relationships with global and regional category heads, including Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, and Contemporary Art, to enable seamless collaboration.
- Integrate China clients into Sotheby's worldwide network to develop cross-border engagements.
- Represent Sotheby's China externally to strengthen brand positioning.
- Oversee regulatory compliance, risk management, and operational excellence in China.
- Ensure activities comply with local regulations and Sotheby's global standards and policies.
- Partner with legal, compliance, and operations teams to navigate China's regulatory environment.
- Define and execute the China strategy in alignment with regional and global priorities.
- Monitor performance against strategic objectives and implement actions to support sustainable growth.
Qualifications
- At least 15 years of leadership experience in auction houses, luxury, or client-centric sectors.
- A track record of growing high-value relationships and commercial outcomes in China.
- Expertise in China market dynamics, regulations, culture, and consignment and private sales.
- Proven operations management across finance, HR, and compliance.
- Client-focused approach with senior relationship ownership.
- Collaborative style suited to matrixed, global structures.
- Strong influencing, negotiation, commercial acumen, and cultural agility.
- Exceptional executive presence.
- Fluency in Chinese and English.
Skills
Experience
15+ years leading in auction houses, luxury, or client-centric sectors.
Culture
Sotheby’s describes its culture in terms of client service, specialist knowledge, curiosity, collaboration, and ethical conduct. Its careers materials emphasize working across disciplines and encouraging employees to explore internal opportunities.
About Cerulean
Cerulean is the definitive career portal for the global luxury industry. We match exceptional professionals with exclusive opportunities at the world's most prestigious brands. From haute couture and fine watchmaking to prestige beauty, hospitality, and boutique retail, Cerulean centralises luxury employment to help you find the career for which you were destined.