Phillips Makes Latest Hire from Bonhams

RAPAPORT... Phillips has hired Alexis Vourvoulis to help build up itsjewelry business in Los Angeles, a key target market for the company. "The move reflects the growth of the Phillips jewelrydepartment and the increasing importance of California to the company'sexpansion," the auction house said Tuesday. Vourvoulis is the sixth new hire for the department since thebeginning of 2018, and the third from Bonhams, where she was a jewelryspecialist for Los Angeles. She will report to Susan Abeles, Phillips' head ofjewelry for the Americas, who joined from Bonhams last year, and will work with worldwide headof jewelry Graeme Thompson, who moved from the same company to Phillips in April. "We're building a world-class jewelry department around theworld," Thompson explained. "California is a key target for our developmentefforts, and I believe Alexis is perfectly positioned to increase our activitiesand visibility in the region. She will spend a great deal of time withcollectors on the west coast and throughout the Americas as we build on our strategyof engaging with clients across the globe so we can continue to grow our marketshare." Vourvoulis, who will take on the role of senior specialistand vice president for Los Angeles, will work with the company's existing teamin the city as well as other specialists throughout the Americas. She will beresponsible for working with new and existing clients on consignments, and for creatingcross-marketing opportunities with Phillips' other teams, such as those handling 20th-century and contemporaryart, design, photographs, editions, and watches. "Alexis has a deep understanding of the jewelry market and acommitment to putting clients first," Abeles noted. "A well-respected expert inthe industry, having worked in Florida, California, New York and Paris, she ispassionate about estate jewelry, possesses extraordinary personal skills, and isactively working with a number of charitable organizations." Image: Alexis Vourvoulis. (Phillips)