TEFAF Taps Patrick van Maris as New CEO

ArtFixDaily
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Several months ago, Paul Hustinx informed the Executive Committee of TEFAF, that during 2015, he wished to step down as Managing Director of TEFAF, a position which he has held for 17 years. In view of this and to support its future ambitions, the Executive Committee of TEFAF, the world’s leading fair for art, antiques and design, has appointed Patrick van Maris as its new Chief Executive Officer, with effect from 1 May 2015.

Vetting at TEFAF Maastricht in 2010
Photo: Loraine Bodewes
Vetting at TEFAF Maastricht in 2010
Photo: Loraine Bodewes

Paul Hustinx discussed his desire to step down with the Chairman of the Executive
Committee, Willem van Roijen, last summer. “I felt that after 26 years, TEFAF needed a
fresh pair of eyes and insight to take it forward”.

Dutch born Patrick van Maris (53) read history at the university in Amsterdam before
starting his career at Sotheby’s Amsterdam in 1989 as general specialist in the valuation
department. In the 1990’s, based in London and part of Sotheby’s European network he
was responsible for the organisation of several important house sales in Europe, before
returning to Holland in 1997, becoming Managing Director of Sotheby’s Amsterdam in
2003. In 2006 he returned to London and in 2008 became Managing Director of Sotheby’s
Europe until 2012. Most recently he focused on global projects. 

It was in this capacity that he worked with TEFAF to explore the possibility of establishing
an art fair in Beijing. Over this period he gained a thorough understanding of TEFAF and its
ambitions. “TEFAF’s excellent reputation and its emphasis on quality and excellence have
captured me. I am delighted and grateful to have been chosen by TEFAF’s Executive
Committee as the successor to Paul Hustinx and to be appointed the new CEO of this
prestigious organisation. I am looking forward to working with the Board and the team in
Helvoirt and to maintain TEFAF’s position as the world’s leading art fair.”

Patrick lives with his wife and children in Surrey, UK.

These changes will come into effect on May 2015. Paul Hustinx will commence his early
retirement per 1 September 2015 but will remain connected to TEFAF as advisor.

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