Phillips has appointed Sam Hines as Deputy Chairman, Asia, as part of a drive to expand and grow its business in the region. 

Hines will also continue as International Head of Watches at Phillips.

Based in Hong Kong, Hines will work alongside Jonathan Crockett, Deputy Chairman and Head of 20th Century & Contemporary Art in Asia, as Phillips continues to build on its reputation as the most innovative auction house in the region. 

Hines joined Phillips as International Head of Watches in August 2015 and manages the international specialist teams in Hong Kong, Geneva, London and New York, working in close collaboration with Aurel Bacs and Livia Russo. 

He has overseen four auctions in the category to date, including the company’s landmark inaugural auction in Hong Kong in December 2015, and May sales in both Geneva and Hong Kong which sold eight watches above $1 million and four watches above $2 million – an unprecedented achievement in a watch auction season. 

In alignment with Phillips’ global leadership team and specialist departments, Hines will focus on building on the success of these sales as the company looks forward to holding its inaugural sale of 20th century and contemporary art.

Edward Dolman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Phillips, said, “As we continue our expansion into the Asian market, we are pleased to appoint Sam as Deputy Chairman, Asia. He has played a fundamental role in our first year in Hong Kong including overseeing our first two auctions in Asia, both of which produced market-leading results. Investing in Asia is a key pillar of Phillips’ global growth strategy and with Sam’s 20 years’ experience in the auction world, and with him working alongside Jonathan Crockett, Head of 20th Century Art in Asia, we can ensure that we offer clients in the region exceptional experience and expertise, and access to an innovative, global art platform."

From Hong Kong, Hines will continue to lead the team of international watch specialists in Geneva, London and New York with Aurel Bacs and Livia Russo continuing to work exclusively with the department as senior consultants.  

Phillips is a leading global auction house for buying and selling 20th and 21st century art and design with dedicated expertise in the areas of art, design, photographs, editions, watches, and jewellery.