SVP, Global Head of Restitution

Sotheby's

Jun 23, 2024

Applications are closed

Job
Full-time
Expert Level
Sales & Business Development
London

Requirements

10+ years of relevant experience in restitution and provenance research and business development
JD or international legal degree or qualification required. While the Global Head of Restitution will not be practicing law, the role must understand the complexity of the legal issues involved.
This role requires connections in the Restitution field (lawyers, government bodies), business getting experience, proven research skills, client and stakeholder management, presentation skills and press training.
Fluency in German, with working knowledge of French
The successful candidate must be a team player, able to work in a collaborative environment and have excellent communication skills.
Ability to travel internationally frequently
Please note that we are also willing to hire in Germany or Paris

Responsibilities

Drive the strategy for the Restitution Department Globally, managing the team.
Oversee and direct workflow of Sotheby’s Global Restitution department’s research to prevent stolen objects from circulating in the art market and, in particular, resolving provenance issues of any item with ownership claims from the Nazi-era.
Collaborate with business getters and cataloguers in each affected expert department to vet and research artworks being appraised, prospected or sold.
Provide guidance and training to art specialists and other colleagues at Sotheby’s on policies surrounding stolen art and objects with Nazi-era provenance.
Represent Sotheby’s and Sotheby’s Restitution as an ambassador at events including lectures and conferences globally.
Organize Sotheby’s hosted events and educational seminars focusing on the nuances and scholarship in this area.
Develop and maintain relationships with relevant lawyers, researchers and government bodies in the restitution field.
Generate incremental business through research and contacts, specifically lawyers, heirs, museums and researchers.
Publish articles in relevant magazines and be a recognised expert in the field.
Work directly with clients and their advisors to navigate and resolve claims.
Facilitate settlements between consignors and claimants and lead any sale claims management.
Partner with colleagues to oversee compliance around source of funds.
Act as a member of the Sotheby’s Ethics Committee.

FAQs

What are the responsibilities of the SVP, Global Head of Restitution?

The SVP, Global Head of Restitution leads the worldwide team and acts as an ambassador for Sotheby’s, representing our market leading position in restitutions.

What is the significance of having a strong public profile in this role?

Having a strong public profile is important as the Global Head of Restitution represents Sotheby's reputation and expertise in the field of restitutions.

How does the SVP, Global Head of Restitution support Sotheby's market leading position in restitutions?

The SVP, Global Head of Restitution leads the worldwide team to ensure that Sotheby's maintains its strong reputation and market leading position in restitutions.

Sotheby's

The world’s premier destination for art and luxury.

Fashion & Arts

Industry

1001-5000

Employees

1744

Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Sotheby’s promotes access, connoisseurship and preservation of fine art and rare objects through auctions and buy-now channels including private sales, e-commerce and retail. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by an industry-leading technology platform and a network of specialists spanning 40 countries and 50 categories, which include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits, and Interiors, among many others.