Managing Director, China

The role

The Managing Director, China holds executive responsibility for driving sustainable growth through client development and partnerships. This leader manages all facets of the China business and fosters collaboration across local, regional, and global teams.

What you will do

• Build and deepen relationships with China-based collectors to secure consignments and boost private sales.
• Identify new client segments and forge strategic partnerships.
• Collaborate with specialists, category leaders, regional, and global teams.
• Cultivate ties with global and regional category heads.
• Integrate China clients into the worldwide network.
• Represent Sotheby's China externally.
• Provide oversight of regulatory compliance, risk management, and operational excellence within China.
• Ensure activities align with local regulations and global standards.
• Partner with legal, compliance, and operations teams.
• Define and execute the China strategy and monitor performance.

Required qualifications

• 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

About the company

Established in 1744, Sotheby’s promotes access and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions, private sales and retail. The company has a global network of specialists spanning 40 countries.