Phillips Auctioneers Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Dedicated to connecting international collectors with premier contemporary art, Phillips Auctioneers maintains a global presence to facilitate the acquisition and sale of significant cultural assets across diverse categories.

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
  • Global Chief Marketing Officer - Amy Wexler
  • Chief of Staff & Senior Director, Human Resources (Asia) - Peter Terela
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Jennifer Garvin
  • Wendell Phillips - Chief Executive Officer

    Wendell Phillips, the Chief Executive Officer at Phillips Auctioneers, directs the overarching strategic vision for the global auction house. By overseeing the expansion into contemporary art markets, the Chief Executive Officer ensures the firm maintains a competitive edge among international collectors. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to refine the long-term business model across New York and London hubs. Wendell Phillips drives the integration of new categories like watches and jewelry into the core auction portfolio. Through rigorous market analysis, the Chief Executive Officer optimizes the auction calendar to maximize revenue growth. By fostering relationships with high-net-worth clients, the Chief Executive Officer secures the firm's position as a premier destination for rare works. Ultimately, Phillips maintains the integrity of the brand while scaling operations to meet the evolving demands of the global art market.

    Maria Papel - Chief Financial Officer

    Maria Papel, the Chief Financial Officer at Phillips Auctioneers, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for the organization. Overseeing global financial reporting, the Chief Financial Officer ensures transparency and compliance across all international offices. This role involves balancing the complex cash flow requirements of high-value art sales with the operational costs of maintaining a global footprint. Maria Papel architects the financial frameworks that support the acquisition of contemporary works and the expansion of specialized categories. By monitoring market volatility, the Chief Financial Officer mitigates risks associated with international currency fluctuations and auction outcomes. Through precise budgeting and investment planning, the Chief Financial Officer provides the necessary resources for the firm to thrive in competitive environments. Ultimately, Papel secures the long-term financial stability required to sustain the company's reputation as a leader in the global auction industry.

    Sean Cleary - Chief Operating Officer (Americas)

    Sean Cleary, the Chief Operating Officer (Americas) at Phillips Auctioneers, directs the logistical and operational execution of sales across the North American region. Overseeing the complex supply chain of art handling, storage, and exhibition, the Chief Operating Officer (Americas) ensures that every auction meets the highest standards of security and presentation. This role involves coordinating with global teams to manage the movement of high-value items between international hubs. Sean Cleary architects scalable operational processes that support the firm's growth in the contemporary art and watch categories. By optimizing facility management and auction logistics, the Chief Operating Officer (Americas) enhances the client experience during high-stakes sales. Through rigorous oversight of regional operations, the Chief Operating Officer (Americas) drives efficiency and operational excellence. Ultimately, Cleary ensures the seamless execution of the firm's business model within the Americas.

    Jean-Paul Engelen - President, Americas

    Jean-Paul Engelen, the President, Americas at Phillips Auctioneers, directs the commercial strategy and business development for the firm in the Western Hemisphere. Overseeing the acquisition of contemporary art and design collections, the President, Americas ensures the company secures high-quality inventory for its auctions. This role involves building deep relationships with major collectors and institutions to maintain the firm's market position. Jean-Paul Engelen architects sales strategies that capitalize on regional market trends and collector preferences. By leading the regional team, the President, Americas drives revenue growth and expands the firm's footprint in the contemporary art sector. Through active participation in the global leadership team, the President, Americas aligns regional efforts with the company's international objectives. Ultimately, Engelen secures the firm's status as a dominant force in the Americas by consistently delivering exceptional results in the auction room.

    Amy Wexler - Global Chief Marketing Officer

    Amy Wexler, the Global Chief Marketing Officer at Phillips Auctioneers, directs the brand identity and outreach strategies for the firm. Overseeing digital campaigns and public relations, the Global Chief Marketing Officer ensures the company remains the primary destination for contemporary art collectors. This leadership role involves crafting narratives that highlight the rarity and provenance of items within the design, photography, and jewelry categories. Amy Wexler architects global marketing initiatives that resonate with diverse audiences across North America, Europe, and Asia. By leveraging data-driven insights, the Global Chief Marketing Officer optimizes client engagement and auction participation. Through strategic partnerships and high-profile events, the Global Chief Marketing Officer elevates the firm's visibility in the competitive art market. Ultimately, Wexler drives brand loyalty and expands the reach of the auction house to new generations of international collectors.
    Amy Wexler

    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 across the Asian market. Overseeing regional recruitment and organizational development, the Chief of Staff & Senior Director, Human Resources (Asia) ensures that the firm attracts top-tier specialists in contemporary art and design. This role involves aligning regional human capital strategies with the broader corporate mission to maintain a cohesive global culture. Peter Terela architects efficient workflows that support the rapid pace of auction cycles in the region. By fostering a high-performance environment, the Chief of Staff & Senior Director, Human Resources (Asia) drives employee engagement and retention. Through the implementation of standardized HR policies, the Chief of Staff & Senior Director, Human Resources (Asia) supports the firm's expansion into emerging markets. Ultimately, Terela strengthens the operational foundation necessary for sustained growth in Asia.

    Jennifer Garvin - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Jennifer Garvin, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Phillips Auctioneers, directs the global talent strategy and organizational culture for the firm. Overseeing workforce planning and leadership development, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures the company retains the expertise required to handle the world's most important contemporary works. This role involves designing compensation structures that attract top talent in the competitive auction sector. Jennifer Garvin architects inclusive workplace policies that support a diverse, international team across multiple continents. By implementing performance management systems, the Chief Human Resources Officer aligns individual contributions with the company's strategic goals. Through the cultivation of a collaborative environment, the Chief Human Resources Officer supports the firm's mission to provide exceptional service to collectors. Ultimately, Garvin builds the human infrastructure necessary to sustain the company's reputation for excellence in the global art market.
    Jennifer Garvin

    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, Global Chief Marketing Officer.