Bonhams has appointed Patrick Masson to be its Managing Director in the UK and Europe. Masson, who will be based at Bonhams headquarters in New Bond Street, London, takes up his new post on 2 March, reporting to Bonhams Executive Chairman, Bruno Vinciguerra.

Patrick Masson joins Bonhams after successful careers at senior level at both Christie’s and Sotheby’s. As business manager for Christie’s France from 1996-2006, he played a central role in establishing the auction house as a leading player in France. At Sotheby’s he worked in senior roles in London and Paris. As General Manager, Sotheby’s Europe, Masson developed new sales and markets, and established Europe as the highest contributor to Sotheby’s global revenues. Additionally, he drove restructuring and expansion programmes in the Middle East, India and Russia.

Patrick was born in Brittany, France and is bilingual in French and English.

Bonhams Executive Chairman, Bruno Vinciguerra said, “Patrick Masson’s outstanding track record in building and sustaining profitability and developing new growth strategies will enable us to take Bonhams business in the UK and Europe to new levels.”

Patrick Masson said, “I have long admired Bonhams as a business. I believe my extensive international experience in delivering effective change will help propel the company to further success.”