Managing Director, China

The Managing Director, China, holds executive responsibility for driving sustainable growth via client development and partnerships, while managing all facets of the China business. Reporting to the Managing Director, Asia, this leader fosters collaboration across local, regional, and global teams to cultivate collectors, expand auction and private sales, and ensure operational resilience in a regulated environment.

Responsibilities

Driving sustainable growth via client development and partnerships; Managing all facets of the China business; Building and deepening relationships with China-based collectors to secure consignments and boost private sales; Identifying new client segments and forging strategic partnerships; Collaborating with specialists, category leaders, regional, and global teams to optimize cross-category sales; Cultivating trusted ties with global and regional category heads; Integrating China clients into Sotheby's worldwide network; Representing Sotheby's China externally; Overseeing regulatory compliance, risk management, and operational excellence; Defining and executing the China strategy; Monitoring performance against strategic objectives

Requirements

15+ years leading in auction houses, luxury, or client-centric sectors; Track record growing high-value relationships and commercial outcomes in China; Expertise in China market dynamics, regulations, culture, and consignment/private sales; Proven operations management spanning finance, HR, compliance; Client-focused with senior relationship ownership; Collaborative style suited to matrixed, global structures; Strong influencing, negotiation, commercial acumen, and cultural agility; Exceptional executive presence; Fluent in Chinese and English