Rahul Kadakia appointed president of Christie’s Asia Pacific

Rahul Kadakia, the internationally acclaimed jewelry specialist at Christie’s, has been named President of Asia-Pacific, effective January 2026. A native of Mumbai and a fourth-generation jeweler, Kadakia’s illustrious career with Christie’s spans nearly three decades—from London to Geneva and New York.

Kadakia said: “I am honoured to accept the new role of President for Christie’s Asia Pacific. Having worked with colleagues in Asia and directed sales there for over three decades, I look forward to moving to Hong Kong to take on this new important challenge and I am excited to bring my skills and passion to Christie’s in Asia. Having started my career at Christie’s London in 1996, followed by time in Geneva and New York, I am incredibly grateful for the trust the board of Christie’s has placed in me.”

He will also assume leadership of the Global Luxury and Asian & World Art Groups.

Bonnie Brennan, Christie’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “Rahul’s appointment comes at an important moment for the art market in the region. His appointment marks our ongoing commitment to Asia Pacific and our faith in his ability to lead the dedicated teams who are based around the region –from our Hong Kong and Shanghai salesrooms to our teams beyond in Bangkok, Beijing, Jakarta, Mumbai, Seoul, Singapore, Taipei, and Tokyo. We are proud of our market leadership in Asia Pacific and see the potential to further grow our business, embracing the rich cultures and diversity it represents.”

Kadakia has overseen several landmark auctions at Christie's, including The Maharajas & Mughal Magnificence Sale (2019), which featured nearly 400 lots spanning five centuries, this sale showcased the opulence of Indian royalty, including pieces from the Mughal era and the Al Thani Collection. He was also instrumental in the sale of the Pink Legacy Diamond (2018) - 18.96-carat Fancy Vivid Pink diamond that sold for over CHF 50 million, setting a new world record for a pink diamond at auction.