Christie’s International announce Per Holmberg has been appointed to lead its New York Wine Department as Vice President, Head of Department. In this capacity, Mr. Holmberg will work closely with the auction house’s team of wine specialists to lead the continued growth and development of Christie’s wine sales throughout North and South America.
A recognized wine expert with over 15 years in the industry, Mr. Holmberg is returning to Christie’s, where he spent the early part of his career as a wine specialist. During his tenure at Christie’s from 2000 to 2004, he worked on several of the company’s most celebrated wine auctions, including The Extraordinary Private Cellar of Doris Duke, which totaled $3.75 million and The Magnificent Private Cellar of Lenoir M. Josey, which fetched $3.3 million total.
Most recently, Mr. Holmberg served as Vice President of East Coast Operations for Benchmark Wine Group, a Napa Valley-based provider of wines for premier wine retailers, restaurants and collectors. He has previously held senior positions at the Wine Cellarage, where he built the storage firm’s rare wine acquisitions and sales program, and at Vinfolio, where he created and ran their wine appraisal and purchasing team and led wine sales for the eastern region of the U.S.
“We are delighted to welcome our friend and colleague Per Holmberg back into the fold at Christie’s,” said Guillaume Guédé, Christie’s International Business Director for Wine. “As Head of Department for Christie’s New York, he brings a diverse set of skills honed through his broad exposure to all segments of the global wine industry. With his deep knowledge and passion for collectible wines and his keen understanding of both the retail and auction markets for wine, Per will be a great asset for us as we continue to explore exciting new channels for growth.”
Per Holmberg joins an experienced, high-profile team of wine specialists based around the globe, including David Elswood, International Director, Charles Curtis, MW, Head of Wine Sales for Asia, Chris Munro, Head of Wine for Christie’s London, Michael Ganne, Head of Sale for Christie’s Geneva, and Oliver Wiseman, Head of Sale for Christie’s Paris.