NEW YORK — Christie’s, the renowned British-founded auction house, has announced the appointment of Bonnie Brennan as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective February 1, 2025. This leadership change comes as part of a broader strategic realignment within the Pinault family’s art-related investments. Brennan succeeds Guillaume Cerutti, who will transition to oversee artistic and cultural activities at Artémis, the Pinault family’s holding company, while continuing as Chairman of Christie’s Board.
Brennan, a veteran in the art auction industry, brings nearly three decades of experience to her new role. She joined Christie’s in 2012 after a 15-year tenure at Sotheby’s, where she held various leadership positions in business development. At Christie’s, Brennan has been instrumental in securing and managing significant collections, including those of Ann and Gordon Getty, Anne H. Bass, and Barney Ebsworth. In 2021, she was appointed President of Christie’s Americas, overseeing operations that accounted for 48% of the company’s global auction sales in 2024.
The leadership transition reflects Christie’s commitment to internal talent development and strategic continuity. François Pinault and François-Henri Pinault expressed their confidence in Brennan’s capabilities, stating, “We are thrilled to announce Bonnie Brennan as Christie’s new CEO. Having served as President of Christie’s Americas for several years, she brings with her a wealth of experience in the art market.”
Cerutti, who has led Christie’s since 2016, will now focus on implementing and overseeing a new organization for the artistic and cultural activities of Artémis. Under his leadership, Christie’s achieved numerous milestones, including record-breaking sales such as Leonardo da Vinci’s Salvator Mundi in 2017 and the David Rockefeller Collection in 2018. Cerutti’s tenure also saw the company’s expansion into new markets and a commitment to sustainability initiatives.
In her new role, Brennan aims to build upon Christie’s legacy while steering the company towards innovation and growth. She emphasized the importance of embracing technology and engaging with a broader, more diverse audience. “To lead this extraordinary group of people is a privilege that I take very seriously,” Brennan stated. “I look forward to building on our 259-year legacy of connecting exceptional art and objects to passionate audiences.”
Brennan’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for Christie’s, as the auction house navigates an evolving art market and seeks to attract the next generation of collectors. Her leadership is expected to drive the company’s digital transformation and reinforce its position as a global leader in the art auction industry.
