MCH Group takes over London exhibition Masterpiece and adapts structure
The Basel-based live marketing company MCH Group is expanding its international exhibition portfolio and strengthening its position in exclusive global collector markets. At the same time, it is aligning its organizational structure even more consistently to the implementation of its corporate strategy and announcing personnel changes.
On 30 November 2017, the MCH Group acquired 67.5% of the shares in Masterpiece London, the organizer of the collectors' event of the same name, which is held at the Royal Hospital Chelsea in London every summer. The remaining shares are held by existing shareholders.
Masterpiece London Ltd was founded in 2008 and the first fair took place in 2010. At the fair, 150 leading galleries and specialists present exceptional art objects from all important market segments to new and established collectors - antique and contemporary art, rare books and photographs, design pieces and antiques, jewelry and ceramics. Today, Masterpiece London is one of the world's leading events of its kind. The ten-strong team is led by Lucie Kitchener. She joined Masterpiece London in January 2017 after holding various senior roles in the luxury goods segment. As Managing Director, she will be responsible for the new business unit within the MCH Group.
Adjustment of the organizational structure
The MCH Group is aligning its organizational structure more closely to the implementation of its corporate strategy and the requirements of increasing digitization. The international exhibition and event business (Baselworld, Art Basel, Design & Regional Art Fairs, Grand Basel and Masterpiece London) is being brought together in the "Global Events" division under the management of CEO René Kamm. The national exhibition and event business at the Basel, Zurich and Lausanne locations - the own exhibition portfolio under the management of Didier Peier as well as the management of guest events and facility management - will be combined in the "Events Switzerland & Venues" division under the management of Peter Holenstein. Jean-Marc Devaud will continue to be responsible for the "Live Marketing Solutions" division.
The New Products and M&A, Digital Business and Services, ICT and Human Resources divisions will be combined under the leadership of Stephan Peyer in the expanded "Corporate Development & Services" service unit. The Chief Financial Officer (CFO), previously Head of "Finance & Administration", will in future concentrate on the "Corporate Finance", "Risk Management" and "M&A Support" functions.
CFO Christophe Biollaz leaves the MCH Group
Christophe Biollaz, Head of Finance & Administration and member of the Executive Board, has decided to leave the MCH Group at his own request in the course of the coming year to pursue new professional challenges. He joined the company on December 1, 2013 and has held the position of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) since January 1, 2014. He will continue in his role until his successor has been appointed and will ensure a smooth handover.
New management of the Design & Regional Art Fairs
Marco Fazzone, Managing Director of the Design & Regional Art Fairs, will be leaving the MCH Group at his own request at the end of January 2018 to take up a new professional challenge. Marco Fazzone was a member of the Art Basel management team from 2013 to 2016 before assuming responsibility for the new Design & Regional Art Fairs business unit and the development of the regional art fair portfolio. The new Managing Director of Design & Regional Art Fairs as of February 1, 2018 will be Frank Lasry. He has been Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Philipps Auctioneers Ltd since 2014 and previously held various operational and management positions, including twelve years at Christie's International in Paris, London, Hong Kong and Dubai.
Photo: Facebook.com/Masterpiece London
