Phillips Auctioneers Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Phillips Auctioneers has 8 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, marketing, operations, human resources, and founder relations.

Driven by a commitment to connecting collectors with exceptional art, Phillips Auctioneers operates as the premier global destination for acquiring and divesting the world's most significant contemporary works, shaping the international art market through expert curation and strategic sales.

Leadership Roles at Phillips Auctioneers

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

    Benjamin Williams, the Chief Executive Officer at Phillips Auctioneers, directs the overarching corporate strategy and global operational framework. Williams guides the company's expansion into new markets and the enhancement of its auction house services, ensuring alignment with the mission to serve international collectors of contemporary art. This leadership role involves fostering relationships with key stakeholders and driving innovation across all departments, from art acquisition to client engagement. Overseeing the strategic direction, Benjamin Williams ensures Phillips Auctioneers maintains its position as a leader in the contemporary art market. The Chief Executive Officer's focus remains on maximizing value for consignors and buyers through expertly managed sales in categories such as Contemporary Art, Photographs, Editions, Design, Watches, and Jewelry. Williams's tenure is marked by a commitment to excellence and a deep understanding of the global art landscape, driving the company's continued success and market influence.
    Benjamin Williams

    Maria Papel - Chief Financial Officer

    Maria Papel, the Chief Financial Officer at Phillips Auctioneers, manages all financial operations and fiscal strategy. Papel oversees budgeting, financial planning, risk management, and investment strategies, ensuring the fiscal health and profitability of the organization. This role is critical in supporting the company's global sales activities across its diverse categories, including Contemporary Art, Photographs, Editions, Design, Watches, and Jewelry. Maria Papel's financial acumen provides essential oversight for the company's New York and London headquarters, as well as its worldwide offices. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities extend to optimizing financial performance, managing capital allocation, and ensuring compliance with all relevant financial regulations. By maintaining rigorous financial controls and providing strategic financial insights, Papel supports the company's growth objectives and its ability to conduct high-value transactions for international collectors.

    Sean Cleary - Chief Operating Officer (Americas)

    Sean Cleary, the Chief Operating Officer (Americas) at Phillips Auctioneers, directs operational efficiency and service delivery across the Americas region. Cleary oversees the execution of auction logistics, client services, and back-office functions, ensuring seamless operations for sales of Contemporary Art, Photographs, Editions, Design, Watches, and Jewelry. This role is pivotal in managing the company's presence in New York and other regional offices, optimizing resource allocation and streamlining processes. Sean Cleary's leadership focuses on enhancing the client experience and supporting the sales teams to achieve their targets. The Chief Operating Officer (Americas) ensures that all operational activities align with the company's high standards for quality and service. By driving operational excellence, Cleary contributes significantly to the company's ability to conduct successful auctions and maintain its leading position in the art market.

    Reese Phillips - Founder & President

    Reese Phillips, the Founder & President at Phillips Auctioneers, provides foundational leadership and strategic vision for the company. Phillips guides the long-term direction and upholds the core values established since the company's inception, ensuring its continued prominence in the international art market. This role involves overseeing key strategic initiatives and maintaining relationships with significant stakeholders, contributing to the company's expertise in selling Contemporary Art, Photographs, Editions, Design, Watches, and Jewelry. Reese Phillips's enduring commitment shapes the company's legacy and its approach to serving global collectors. The Founder & President's influence is instrumental in maintaining Phillips Auctioneers' reputation for excellence and innovation. Phillips's leadership ensures the company remains at the forefront of the art world, connecting discerning buyers and sellers with exceptional works.

    Jean-Paul Engelen - President, Americas

    Jean-Paul Engelen, the President, Americas at Phillips Auctioneers, leads the company's strategic development and operational oversight across the Americas region. Engelen drives business growth and enhances client relationships, ensuring Phillips Auctioneers's market leadership in selling Contemporary Art, Photographs, Editions, Design, Watches, and Jewelry. This position involves spearheading initiatives that expand the company's reach and impact within North and South America. Jean-Paul Engelen's leadership focuses on optimizing sales performance and client engagement strategies. The President, Americas is responsible for cultivating key partnerships and ensuring the highest standards of service delivery. Engelen's expertise in the art market and strategic management is critical to the continued success and expansion of Phillips Auctioneers's operations throughout the Americas.

    Amy Wexler - Global Chief Marketing Officer

    Amy Wexler, the Global Chief Marketing Officer at Phillips Auctioneers, architects and executes the global marketing and communications strategy. Wexler drives brand visibility and market positioning for Phillips Auctioneers, focusing on attracting international collectors and promoting the company's diverse auction categories. This includes Contemporary Art, Photographs, Editions, Design, Watches, and Jewelry. The Global Chief Marketing Officer's purview encompasses digital marketing, public relations, advertising, and client outreach initiatives across all global offices. Amy Wexler ensures consistent brand messaging and enhances client engagement through innovative campaigns. By leveraging market insights and data analytics, Wexler optimizes marketing spend and maximizes return on investment, directly contributing to increased sales volume and consignor acquisition. The strategic implementation of marketing efforts under Wexler's direction solidifies Phillips Auctioneers' reputation as a premier destination for art and luxury goods.
    Amy Wexler

    Jennifer Garvin - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Jennifer Garvin, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Phillips Auctioneers, leads all human capital strategies and talent management initiatives. Garvin oversees recruitment, employee development, compensation, benefits, and organizational culture, ensuring Phillips Auctioneers attracts and retains top talent globally. This role is crucial for supporting the company's operations across its various departments, including those managing sales of Contemporary Art, Photographs, Editions, Design, Watches, and Jewelry. Jennifer Garvin champions a positive and productive work environment, fostering employee engagement and aligning HR practices with the company's strategic objectives. The Chief Human Resources Officer's expertise is vital in navigating the complexities of a global workforce and supporting the company's mission to connect collectors with exceptional works of art. Garvin's strategic approach to human resources strengthens the foundation upon which Phillips Auctioneers builds its success.
    Jennifer Garvin

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

    Peter Terela, the Chief of Staff & Senior Director, Human Resources (Asia) at Phillips Auctioneers, provides strategic support to executive leadership and manages human resources functions across the Asian market. Terela ensures alignment between HR initiatives and business objectives, focusing on talent acquisition, employee relations, and organizational development within the Asian region. This dual role involves facilitating communication and operational efficiency across departments, supporting the company's sales of Contemporary Art, Photographs, Editions, Design, Watches, and Jewelry. Peter Terela's responsibilities include advising on HR policies and practices specific to Asia, contributing to the company's global human capital strategy. The Chief of Staff & Senior Director, Human Resources (Asia) plays a key part in fostering a cohesive organizational culture and supporting the company's growth and operational success in a critical international market.

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Phillips Auctioneers Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Phillips Auctioneers?
    Phillips Auctioneers is led by Benjamin Williams (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 Benjamin Williams (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 8 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), Founder & President, President, Americas.