Sotheby's worldwide head of contemporary art Tobias Meyer
Photo: Courtesy of Tobias Meyer
Choosing an auctioneer? We asked some top event pros for their favorite people to run charity auctions. Here's the list of their favorites—and what the planners we polled had to say about them.
Simon de Pury
Chairman, Phillips de Pury & Company. Former chairman of Sotheby’s Europe; worked in the company’s London, Germany, Monte Carlo, and Switzerland offices. Conducts auctions in English, French, German, and Italian. Conducted auction of the estate of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.
Planners say: “Gavel-waver extraordinaire,” “animated,” “an alive performer.”Hugh Hildesley
Executive vice president of client development, Sotheby’s. Joined the auction house in 1961; began his career at Sotheby’s London as an apprentice porter in the Old Master paintings department. Author of The Complete Guide to Buying and Selling at Auction.
Planners say: “A shining star,” “inclusive, fun,” “a delight to listen to,” “wonderful,” “fabulous.”
Jamie Niven
Vice chairman, Sotheby’s North and South America. Trustee of the Museum of Modern Art, the Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Care and Prevention, and the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
Planners say: “Charming,” “cajoling,” “can evaluate your list before and tell you, ‘I think this will go for that, this is too much, this is too little.’”
Tobias Meyer
Worldwide head of contemporary art, Sotheby’s. Known for a more relaxed manner, sense of humor, and poise. Also a polyglot, speaking English, French, German, and Italian. Described by The Evening Standard as “the seller of the century.” Partial to bespoke suits.
Planners say: “The James Bond of the art market,” “mesmerizing, has that sly European charm.”
Lydia Fenet
Head of special events, Christie’s. Chairs events for organizations such as the Frick Collection, New Yorkers for Children, and Henry Street Settlement. Has conducted auctions for Hale House, Share Our Strength, and Project Angel Food.
Planners say: “Young, gorgeous woman,” “very enthusiastic,” “she moves it along,” “rising star.”
Simon de Pury
Chairman, Phillips de Pury & Company. Former chairman of Sotheby’s Europe; worked in the company’s London, Germany, Monte Carlo, and Switzerland offices. Conducts auctions in English, French, German, and Italian. Conducted auction of the estate of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.
Planners say: “Gavel-waver extraordinaire,” “animated,” “an alive performer.”Hugh Hildesley
Executive vice president of client development, Sotheby’s. Joined the auction house in 1961; began his career at Sotheby’s London as an apprentice porter in the Old Master paintings department. Author of The Complete Guide to Buying and Selling at Auction.
Planners say: “A shining star,” “inclusive, fun,” “a delight to listen to,” “wonderful,” “fabulous.”
Jamie Niven
Vice chairman, Sotheby’s North and South America. Trustee of the Museum of Modern Art, the Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Care and Prevention, and the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
Planners say: “Charming,” “cajoling,” “can evaluate your list before and tell you, ‘I think this will go for that, this is too much, this is too little.’”
Tobias Meyer
Worldwide head of contemporary art, Sotheby’s. Known for a more relaxed manner, sense of humor, and poise. Also a polyglot, speaking English, French, German, and Italian. Described by The Evening Standard as “the seller of the century.” Partial to bespoke suits.
Planners say: “The James Bond of the art market,” “mesmerizing, has that sly European charm.”
Lydia Fenet
Head of special events, Christie’s. Chairs events for organizations such as the Frick Collection, New Yorkers for Children, and Henry Street Settlement. Has conducted auctions for Hale House, Share Our Strength, and Project Angel Food.
Planners say: “Young, gorgeous woman,” “very enthusiastic,” “she moves it along,” “rising star.”
![For the after-party, Event Eleven built three 30-foot pagodas and hung 300 lanterns from the ceiling. They also brought in a 20-foot-tall bonsai tree and a variety of 30-foot red maples, along with other greenery and foliage. '[It all] helped create the organic atmosphere and helped transport guests into a gardenlike room,' said Schubert.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2024/02/Shogun.41_f.65dba8f23433b.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&dpr=2&fit=crop&h=167&q=70&w=250)
