Page 26 - Collection Jan 2020

P RO F I L E 人物

“Other than that, it is plants and Bonsai. Even though private sale in 2007 of a magnificent bronze horse head
we do not have very distinctive seasons in Hong Kong, but statue plundered from the zodiac fountain in Beijing’s Old
I find inspiration from the blooming and wilting of flowers. Summer Palace, which was returned to China in November
The falling leaves in autumn and the sprouting new buds in 2019, to be reunited with the other repatriated items.
spring remind me of the cycles of life. The process of shaping We understood the sensitivity of auctioning such an
Bonsai with wires and cutting the leaves require patience object in public, so I was very proud to have found a buyer in
and perseverance over time, but for me it is a very gratifying Hong Kong when Dr Stanley Ho not only agreed to buy the
experience,” he added, “I have also taken up Chinese bronze horse head by way of private sale for HK$69,100,000
calligraphy in recent years. On some weekends, I would at the time but also donate it back to China, much to the
rather stay home and practise, and even if I have to go out, I delight of Sotheby’s and the Chinese government.”
would always be thinking about going home to my brush!” Being in the auction business himself, Kevin has his own
With so much on hands, one might wonder, how does doctrine when it comes to collection. “At home, I like to be
he manage to squeeze time for all these “hobbies”. Kevin surrounded by many things of personal significance – my
explained, “work can get stressful for everyone at times, jades, my plants, paintings and sculptures, as well as trinkets
but I take pleasure in doing what I love. My hobbies of from previous travels and special items that remind me of
collecting jade and practising Chinese calligraphy are my friends and family. For me, sometimes sentimental value
great ways for me to slow down and find calm. My plants is more important than artistic value. I do not want my home
and Bonsai remind me that stress, like winter, will not last to look like a commercial gallery or a furniture showroom.”

“ It is my management philosophy to treat

employees as friends. The auction business
requires close collaboration among

departments. To maintain this concept of

being a family is crucial in encouraging

teamwork and creating a sense of harmony. ”

forever. I am a firm believer that we are always at our best
if we are doing what we love, and I am grateful to have
had the opportunity to turn my hobby of collecting into a
career at Sotheby’s, even though my average day at work is
basically filled with back to back meetings and conference
calls. Our business is highly competitive, and we are always
busy in the office. The only time for relaxation is when I
have lunch at the pantry with colleagues when we often
talk about holidays, friends and families.”
Confucianism stresses on family bonding and
benevolence, putting yourself into other’s position and that
is exactly Kevin’s philosophy in managing an international The news of Patrick Drahi acquiring Sotheby’s shocked
auction house such as Sotheby’s Asia. “It is my management the market last year. Many see it as an opportunity for the
philosophy to treat employees as friends. The auction century-old auction house, and Kevin is equally optimistic
business requires close collaboration among departments. in 2020 with the new “family member”, “looking ahead in
To maintain this concept of being a family is crucial in 2020, we expect Asia to continue its rise as an important
encouraging teamwork and creating a sense of harmony. art hub on the global stage. We see Asian collectors
It’s important while I maintain a friendly relationship with Aggregate sales of becoming more sophisticated in their tastes and even
2019 reached HK$7.35
our colleagues that I am just and fair. Values such as open- billion, marking the more active both in Asia and globally. More notably at
mindedness, integrity and humility are also important.” second highest record in Sotheby’s, with our new owner Patrick Drahi onboard this
Speaking of collaboration, Kevin shared with us one Sotheby’s history in the year, the company is abuzz with new ideas and energy
region.
of his many fascinating stories in his 13 years’ time at under the leadership of our new CEO Charles Stewart
蘇富比 2019年全年總銷售
Sotheby’s. “One of my most memorable and fulfilling 額高達港幣 73.5億，是區 and a restructured management team, and we are looking
experiences at Sotheby’s is our role in brokering the 內歷來第二高的紀錄。 forward to another exciting year ahead.”
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