The renowned auction house has appointed a familiar face to the leadership role in France.

Sotheby’s has appointed Mario Tavella as president general director of Sotheby’s France.

Tavella, who joined the company in 1991, is currently deputy chairman of Sotheby’s Europe and European head of single-owner collections. His previous roles include chairman of Sotheby’s Italy. 

Having been based in London since he joined, he will assume his new role at the helm of the Paris office on 4 January 2016, replacing Guillaume Cerutti, who left Sotheby’s in the summer. Tavella is an expert in the field of decorative arts, with particular experience in the international market. 

“He brings to the role a wealth of relevant experience and talent as a business getter, together with an abundance of charm, drive and infectious energy,” said Maarten Ten Holder, managing director of Sotheby’s Europe.

“It’s these qualities that have underpinned so many of the landmark sales he has secured for us over the years, not just for the UK, where he has been based until now, but also for New York, Italy, and, critically, for Paris, where his charisma, sophistication and knowledge have captured the imagination of so many great collectors. Mario is, to my mind, a modern Renaissance man – an inspiring leader and a great team player on the global stage.”