Christie’s Auctioneers has announced the departure of a key member of its team. Amy Cappellazzo will leave the company, after the London auctions in February, to pursue her career outside the company. Ms. Cappellazzo, Co-Head along with Brett Gorvy were responsible for developing Christie’s Post-War & Contemporary Art department between 2001 to 2011. She was named Deputy Chairman, Americas in 2008, and was appointed International Chairman of Post-War & Contemporary Development in 2011. The power duo were responsible for launching Christie’s most lucrative department, an area which had a ten fold growth rate in the dozen years since its launch.
Steven Murphy, Chief Executive Officer, Christies said, “During her years with the company, Amy has contributed greatly to the growth of Post War and Contemporary Art, as well as championing a number of strategic initiatives from supporting the drive into Private Sales to our expansion into e-commerce via the innovative partnership with the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. On behalf of all of us, I want to thank her for her energy, commitment and support. We all wish her well in her decision to explore new challenges and thank her for the lasting impact she has made on this company”.
Brett Gorvy, Chairman of Christie’s Post War and Contemporary said, “For over 13 years, Amy has brought her incredible energy and unique presence to the Post-War and Contemporary market. First as my partner and international Co-Head and then as Chairman of Post-War and Contemporary Development, Amy defined the dynamic and innovative spirit of our department, breaking new ground for the company on a global platform. She has helped bring a contemporary edge to our constantly evolving world, and her friendships with artists, curators, dealers and her personal relationships with collectors, has contributed to our international leadership of the market season after season. We will miss her passion and the gutsy way she approached every opportunity. She remains a good friend and a champion of Christie’s, and a partner to many of us as she follows her new future.”
Amy Cappellazzo commented, “My years at Christie’s have been the most rewarding thus far of my professional life. I will deeply miss working with my many great mentors and colleagues at Christie’s. I am privileged to have played a key role in building the world’s largest market force in the field of Post War and Contemporary Art. I am grateful to have worked with some of the greatest collectors, a number of superb living artists, as well as countless signature works of art of our time.
She added, I will soon embark on a private venture aimed at fully serving the needs of collectors in today’s changing art market. I look forward to expanding my working relationships with the Christie’s team in my next venture.”
Prior to Christie’s, Amy was an art advisor and curator as well as a key team member in establishing Art Basel Miami Beach. She joined Christie’s in June 2001 and, working alongside Brett, helped lead the team to many successes. Her years at Christie’s have been marked by constant growth, expansion into new geographies and developing markets for new artists.