“We are delighted to welcome Aki back to Sotheby’s,” said Kevin Ching, CEO of Sotheby’s Asia. “Not only is Aki an art world veteran with over three decades in the field, he also has extensive experience in both auction and private sales businesses.”
Ishizaka rejoins Sotheby’s from his eponymous art advisory business, which he launched in 2015. Previously, Ishizaka served as the president and managing director of Sotheby’s Japan from 2005 to 2014 and owned and ran a gallery from 1987 to 2005. He has also taught art business at Tokyo University of the Arts for over a decade. Before entering the art world, Ishizaka worked for the Mitsubishi Corporation.
“I am tremendously excited to return to Sotheby’s—a place that is both familiar and new, as the company continues to chart exciting and innovative paths around the world,” commented Yasuaki Ishizaka. “I look forward to working with the talented team in Asia and around the world to further develop the Japanese market and strengthen its standing on the global stage.”