Christie’s Investment in Talent Continues Growth in Southeast Asia

As part of its ongoing investment and growth across the Southeast Asia region, Christie’s has expanded the role of Prapavadee Sophonpanich to General Manager of Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam, and appoints Crystal Lam as Consultant, Vietnam. These new appointments aim to further cultivate the thriving activity from key emerging markets in Southeast Asia, which have collectively more than doubled their value contribution to Christie’s global sales in the first half of 2023, versus last year.

Prapavadee Sophonpanich General Manager, Cambodia, Laos,Thailand and Vietnam

Crystal Lam Consultant, Vietnam

Since joining Christie’s in 2018, Prapavadee Sophonpanich has been integral to the auction house’s success in Thailand and Southeast Asia at large. Previously General Manager, Thailand, Prapavadee has driven Thai collectors’ soaring global contribution, and enhanced Christie’s footprint in the country with a new gallery and office in Bangkok. In her expanded role, she is now responsible for developing Christie’s activities across three additional markets – Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. Prapavadee continues to report to Francis Belin, President, Asia Pacific, and work closely with colleagues in the region and internationally.

Amongst these key emerging markets, Vietnam’s vibrant art and luxury landscape has risen as an important area of development for Christie’s – the country’s contribution to global sales increased by 60% in the first half of 2023 versus the pre-pandemic level (2019). Reporting to Prapavadee, Crystal Lam, as Consultant, Vietnam, will foster this great potential by nurturing Christie’s Vietnamese client base, and the country’s participation in auctions globally.

Crystal joins Christie’s with a wealth of expertise in operations and business development. For 15 years, she led Vinawood Ltd., a major manufacturing company in Vietnam, steering the firm’s expansion into new markets. Crystal co-founded Lavelle Living – a lifestyle brand that curates enriching experiences around Vietnamese artistic talents. She is vocal in promoting fellow women leaders, and has spoken at events hosted by Forbes and Ernst & Young. Crystal has a B.A. in Rhetoric and a B.A. in International Political Economy from the University of California, Berkeley, as well as an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

Prapavadee Sophonpanich, General Manager of Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam commented: "These are exciting times for the art and luxury markets in Southeast Asia, and I am honoured to have taken on an expanded role at Christie's as we strategically grow our footprint in the region. I am also delighted to welcome Crystal Lam to the role of Consultant, Vietnam – her deep understanding of the Vietnamese business and art landscapes will enhance our support for clients on-the-ground, and further establish our presence in the country.”

By N.M, Vietnam Business Forum