Phillips Auctioneers Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Phillips Auctioneers has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, human resources, regional operations, and global marketing.

Dedicated to connecting international collectors with premier contemporary art, Phillips Auctioneers maintains a legacy of excellence by facilitating high-value transactions across global markets while upholding rigorous standards in the art auction industry.

Leadership Roles at Phillips Auctioneers

  • Chief Executive Officer - Wendell Phillips
  • Chief Financial Officer - Maria Papel
  • Chief Operating Officer (Americas) - Sean Cleary
  • President, Americas - Jean-Paul Engelen
  • Chief of Staff & Senior Director, Human Resources (Asia) - Peter Terela
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Jennifer Garvin
  • Global Chief Marketing Officer - Amy Wexler
  • Wendell Phillips - Chief Executive Officer

    Wendell Phillips, the Chief Executive Officer at Phillips Auctioneers, directs the overarching strategic vision for the organization. By overseeing the global expansion of contemporary art sales, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between international auction houses and the evolving demands of high-net-worth collectors. This leadership role involves managing complex relationships with stakeholders and board members to maintain market dominance in categories like Watches and Jewelry. Through the implementation of innovative digital sales platforms, Wendell Phillips drives significant revenue growth across the New York and London headquarters. The Chief Executive Officer prioritizes the acquisition of rare, high-value works to solidify the company position as a premier destination for global art enthusiasts. By fostering a culture of transparency and expertise, the Chief Executive Officer secures long-term institutional stability and brand prestige within the competitive international auction landscape.

    Maria Papel - Chief Financial Officer

    Maria Papel, the Chief Financial Officer at Phillips Auctioneers, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for the entire organization. Overseeing global financial reporting, the Chief Financial Officer ensures compliance with international regulatory standards across all auction categories, including Photographs and Editions. This leadership role involves optimizing cash flow management to support the acquisition of high-value contemporary art inventory. By analyzing market trends and auction performance data, Maria Papel provides critical insights that guide investment decisions and operational budgeting. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates closely with regional directors to mitigate financial risks associated with cross-border transactions. Through rigorous oversight of capital expenditures and revenue streams, the Chief Financial Officer maintains the financial integrity required to sustain the company status as a leader in the global art market, ultimately driving sustainable profitability and long-term shareholder value.

    Sean Cleary - Chief Operating Officer (Americas)

    Sean Cleary, the Chief Operating Officer (Americas) at Phillips Auctioneers, manages the logistical execution and operational workflows for all auction events throughout the Americas. Overseeing the complex supply chain of contemporary art, the Chief Operating Officer (Americas) ensures the secure transport, cataloging, and exhibition of high-value items. This leadership role involves coordinating with regional specialists to optimize the auction calendar and maximize sales performance. By refining operational processes, Sean Cleary improves the client experience during live and digital sales events. The Chief Operating Officer (Americas) collaborates with the global leadership team to integrate regional operational standards with international best practices. Through the implementation of advanced inventory management systems, the Chief Operating Officer (Americas) drives efficiency and reduces overhead costs. This focus on operational excellence allows the company to maintain its reputation for reliability and precision in the highly competitive North American art market.

    Jean-Paul Engelen - President, Americas

    Jean-Paul Engelen, the President, Americas at Phillips Auctioneers, leads the strategic growth and business development initiatives across the North and South American markets. Overseeing the acquisition of significant contemporary art collections, the President, Americas ensures that the company maintains a robust pipeline of high-value inventory for upcoming sales. This leadership role involves building and maintaining relationships with prominent collectors, galleries, and institutional partners. By identifying emerging market trends, Jean-Paul Engelen positions the company to capitalize on new opportunities within the competitive American art landscape. The President, Americas collaborates with the global executive team to align regional sales strategies with the broader corporate mission. Through the oversight of high-profile auctions and private sales, the President, Americas drives revenue growth and enhances the company brand presence. This focus on strategic client development and market expansion ensures that the company remains a dominant force in the Americas.

    Peter Terela - Chief of Staff & Senior Director, Human Resources (Asia)

    Peter Terela, the Chief of Staff & Senior Director, Human Resources (Asia) at Phillips Auctioneers, coordinates internal operations and talent management initiatives across the Asian market. Overseeing the recruitment of specialized art experts, the Chief of Staff & Senior Director, Human Resources (Asia) ensures that regional teams possess the deep industry knowledge required to manage high-value auctions. This leadership role involves streamlining communication between the executive suite and regional offices to improve operational efficiency. By implementing localized human resources policies, Peter Terela fosters a high-performance culture that aligns with the broader corporate mission. The Chief of Staff & Senior Director, Human Resources (Asia) manages complex organizational projects that support the company expansion into emerging Asian art markets. Through the development of robust talent pipelines and leadership training programs, the Chief of Staff & Senior Director, Human Resources (Asia) strengthens the operational foundation necessary for sustained growth in the region.

    Jennifer Garvin - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Jennifer Garvin, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Phillips Auctioneers, architects the global talent strategy and organizational development programs. Overseeing the recruitment, retention, and professional growth of art specialists and administrative staff, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the workforce remains aligned with the company commitment to excellence. This leadership role involves designing compensation structures and performance management systems that incentivize high-level expertise in categories like Design and Contemporary Art. By fostering an inclusive and collaborative work environment, Jennifer Garvin drives employee engagement across international offices. The Chief Human Resources Officer partners with the executive team to cultivate leadership talent capable of navigating the nuances of the global art market. Through the implementation of comprehensive training initiatives, the Chief Human Resources Officer strengthens the internal capabilities of the organization, ensuring that the company retains the top-tier talent necessary to maintain its competitive edge in the international auction sector.
    Jennifer Garvin

    Amy Wexler - Global Chief Marketing Officer

    Amy Wexler, the Global Chief Marketing Officer at Phillips Auctioneers, directs the brand strategy and promotional campaigns that connect the company with international collectors. Overseeing the digital marketing presence and public relations efforts, the Global Chief Marketing Officer ensures that the brand remains synonymous with the most important contemporary works of art. This leadership role involves crafting targeted messaging for diverse auction categories, including Watches and Jewelry, to attract a global audience. By leveraging data-driven insights, Amy Wexler optimizes marketing spend to increase auction participation and buyer engagement. The Global Chief Marketing Officer collaborates with regional teams to tailor brand narratives to specific market preferences while maintaining a cohesive global identity. Through the execution of high-impact events and digital initiatives, the Global Chief Marketing Officer drives brand awareness and strengthens the company market position. This strategic approach to marketing ensures that the company remains the preferred destination for discerning collectors worldwide.
    Amy Wexler

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Phillips Auctioneers Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Phillips Auctioneers?
    Phillips Auctioneers is led by Wendell Phillips (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Maria Papel (Chief Financial Officer) and Sean Cleary (Chief Operating Officer (Americas)).
    Who is part of Phillips Auctioneers’s executive team?
    The executive team of Phillips Auctioneers includes leaders such as Wendell Phillips (Chief Executive Officer), Maria Papel (Chief Financial Officer), Sean Cleary (Chief Operating Officer (Americas)) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Phillips Auctioneers have?
    Phillips Auctioneers has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Phillips Auctioneers’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Phillips Auctioneers includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer (Americas), President, Americas, Chief of Staff & Senior Director, Human Resources (Asia).