Phillips announces a new era in leadership, as Robert Manley and Miety Heiden take the reins as chairman of modern and contemporary art and private sales, respectively.
Leadership Shift at Phillips: Robert Manley and Miety Heiden Appointed to Top Posts
Phillips has announced significant changes in its global leadership, as Cheyenne Westphal and Jean-Paul Engelen step down from their roles. The appointments of Robert Manley as chairman of modern and contemporary art and Miety Heiden as chairman of private sales mark a new chapter for the auction house.
The appointments follow a strong performance by Phillips in its recent $51.9 million Modern and Contemporary Evening Sale, which reaffirmed the auction house’s strength in the contemporary segment. This success is built on the expertise and long-standing commitment of Manley and Heiden, who will continue to drive excellence with professionalism, integrity, and enthusiasm.
Manley brings over 26 years of experience in the industry, joining Phillips in 2016 as deputy chairman and senior international specialist of 20th-century and contemporary art. During his tenure, he secured major consignments for some of Phillips’ most successful sales and achieved record-setting results for artists such as Yayoi Kusama and Robert Motherwell.
Heiden joined the auction house around the same time and has been a driving force behind high-value consignments for both auctions and private sales. Under her leadership, Phillips’ annual private sales have grown by 46 percent. Notably, the auction house’s private sale channel is increasingly serving as a key gateway for new clients, with 77% of private sale buyers at Phillips being first-time buyers in 2024.
Manley’s appointment to the role of chairman of modern and contemporary art is seen as a testament to his expertise and commitment to the market. He looks forward to building on the remarkable momentum achieved by Phillips and expanding its global reach through strategic collaboration and thoughtful storytelling.
Heiden, who will lead private sales, has been instrumental in shaping the growth of this channel at Phillips. She is proud of what her team has accomplished and excited for the outlook ahead, confident that the success of curated exhibitions and the increase in first-time buyers will continue to drive the business forward.
The shift in leadership at Phillips marks a significant moment for the auction house, as it continues to navigate the changing landscape of the art market. With Manley and Heiden at the helm, Phillips is poised to build on its strengths and drive excellence in the industry.
