Former Dior CEO joins Sotheby’s

Sotheby’s has announced the appointment of Laurence Nicolas as executive vice president and global managing director of jewellery and watches.

Reporting to the company’s CEO, Tad Smith, Nicolas will lead the various channels of Sotheby’s jewellery and watch businesses including auction, private, e-commerce and retail sales, as well as the company’s diamond venture, Sotheby’s Diamonds.

Nicolas brings 25 years of luxury experience and management of leading international brands to Sotheby’s, joining the company from Christian Dior Couture where she was appointed CEO of Dior timepieces and fine jewellery in 2001.

There, she created the ‘Fine Jewellery’ division in 2001, followed by the ‘Timepieces’ division in 2008. Laurence also occupied key positions at Cartier between 1990 and 2001, where she was involved in the international retail and marketing operations of the brand.

Tad Smith, Sotheby’s CEO, said: “Our jewelry and watch businesses operate in markets much larger than the art market and this newly-created role has been designed to strengthen our cross-platform strategy and take advantage of the significant opportunity.

“Laurence’s creativity, energy and experience will no doubt be inspirational for the talented teams she will lead, while also further enhancing our clients’ experience and fostering Sotheby’s growth in these two key areas.”