Bonnie Brennan, CEO of Christie’s, announced today (2 Sep) the appointment of Rahul Kadakia as the new President in Asia-Pacific. He will be based in Hong Kong and officially assume the role in January 2026.

A familiar presence in the auction world, Kadakia currently serves as International Head of Jewellery and is widely regarded as one of the industry’s most charismatic auctioneers – described by The New York Times as someone who can “sell almost anything at record prices.” Over the years, his gavel has brought down some of the biggest results in New York, London, Hong Kong, and Geneva.

In many ways, Kadakia’s career path evokes that of Christie’s legendary François Curiel – and the two have, in fact, worked closely for decades, with the current Chairman of Europe playing an early and formative role in Kadakia’s journey.

Born into a jewellery family in Mumbai, Kadakia graduated from the city’s renowned College of Commerce and Economics. While still a student, he helped out with the family business, learning the ins and outs of luxury retail – and unknowingly beginning what would become a lifelong connection with Christie’s.

At the time, Eric Valdieu, then Head of Jewellery at Christie’s Geneva, was visiting India to meet local collectors and industry leaders. The young Kadakia was assigned to host him in Mumbai, driving him around the city. Curious and observant, he made the most of every moment between appointments to ask questions – and that enthusiasm left a strong impression.

Later, while continuing his studies at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in Los Angeles, Kadakia crossed paths with Christie’s again – this time at a campus career fair. Out of more than 300 applicants, only three students were selected. Kadakia made the cut, thanks in part to Valdieu’s recommendation. In 1996, he joined Christie’s Jewellery Department in London.

About a year later, Kadakia moved to Geneva, where he took on the flagship Magnificent Jewels auctions, held twice a year. By 2004, he was appointed Head of Jewellery for the Americas, based in New York, and in 2014, he rose to become International Head of Jewellery – a position he holds to this day.

Rising through the jewellery department, leading it globally, and now taking the reins of Christie’s Asia-Pacific – Rahul Kadakia’s journey at Christie’s has followed in the footsteps of his longtime mentor, François Curiel, who also led the GIA recruitment that first brought him to the company.

Early in his career, Kadakia expressed a desire to become an auctioneer. Over lunch in Geneva, Curiel playfully challenged him to “sell” the meal as if it were up for auction. The 24-year-old rose to the task, mock-auctioning his lunch course by course. After the fondue, Curiel said, “Well, you did a good job selling me la salade.” Soon after, Kadakia was invited to his first trial session.

After completing his training, Kadakia was looking for a gavel – the auctioneer’s defining mark. Curiel offered him a selection, and he asked to borrow a turned wooden model. He has used it ever since to bring down the hammer on everything he has sold at Christie’s – not only jewellery, but also watches, wine, design, modern and contemporary art, and Asian art.

That “borrow” has now lasted more than 20 years – and Curiel has never asked for it back, a quiet testament to the pride he takes in his protégé.

Over the past two decades, Kadakia has achieved numerous record-breaking sales. His first world record came in 2007, when he sold the Baroda Pearls – a necklace once owned by the Maharajas of India – for US$7.1 million. In 2016, he sold the 14.62-carat Oppenheimer Blue diamond in Geneva for CHF 56.83 million, setting a new auction record for a blue diamond. In 2019, the landmark sale Maharajas & Mughal Magnificence totalled over US$109 million, becoming the second-most valuable jewellery auction in history.

The most valuable jewellery collection ever sold at auction remains that of Hollywood legend Elizabeth Taylor, which fetched US$116 million at Christie’s New York in 2011. While Curiel was the chief architect of that historic sale, Kadakia served as co-auctioneer.

Under Kadakia’s leadership, Christie’s Jewellery Department has continued to thrive. In June this year, Christie’s New York achieved a “white glove” sale, selling all 138 lots in the Magnificent Jewels auction for US$87.7 million – the highest total ever for a various-owner jewellery auction at Christie’s in the Americas. In May, Christie’s Hong Kong jewellery sale brought in HK$376 million, the highest total of the season in Asia.

Kadakia will officially assume his new role in January 2026. In addition to becoming President of Asia-Pacific, he will also lead the Global ​Luxury and Asian & World Art ​Groups. 

Bonnie Brennan, CEO of Christie’s, commented: “Rahul's appointment comes at an important moment for the art market in the region. His appointment marks our ongoing commitment to Asia Pacific and our faith in his ability to lead the dedicated teams who are based around the region –from our Hong Kong and Shanghai salerooms to our teams beyond in Bangkok, Beijing, Jakarta, Mumbai, Seoul, Singapore, Taipei, and Tokyo. We are proud of our market leadership in Asia Pacific and see the potential to further grow our business, embracing the rich cultures and diversity it represents.”

Kadakia said: “I am honoured to accept the new role of President for Christie's Asia Pacific. Having worked with colleagues in Asia and directed sales there for over three decades, I look forward to moving to Hong Kong to take on this new important challenge and I am excited to bring my skills and passion to Christie's in Asia. Having started my career at Christie's London in 1996, followed by time in Geneva and New York, I am incredibly grateful for the trust the board of Christie's has placed in me.”