Bonnie Brennan
CEO, Christie’s
This episode will premiere July 23, 2026 at 7:00pm ET
“There’s real importance to hard skills, but the soft skills of emotional intelligence are incredibly important in a business that is relationship-based and relies on being able to build that trust.”
Summary
What does it take to lead an institution that has continued to thrive through generations of change? For Bonnie Brennan, leadership at Christie’s is not just about preserving the past but understanding how history can become a foundation for the future. As CEO of one of the world’s most acclaimed auction houses, Bonnie is tasked with protecting three centuries of trust and expertise while reimagining what a global cultural institution can become in a rapidly changing world.
In this episode of Leadership Matters, Bonnie shares how stewardship has shaped her approach to leadership, from building relationships that endure beyond individual transactions to embracing the exciting ideas of the next generation of collectors. Our conversation explores what leaders can learn from institutions built to last: that the strongest organizations are not those that resist change, but those that know what values must remain constant as the world continues to evolve.
Mentions & Resources in this Episode
Guest Bio
Bonnie Brennan is Chief Executive Officer of Christie’s, where she is guiding a world-leading art and luxury business through a period of profound transformation. Appointed CEO in 2025, after more than a decade with the company, Bonnie has helped shape some of the most significant moments in the art market while demonstrating that honoring tradition and embracing innovation are complementary priorities.
During her tenure, Christie’s has overseen several of the most valuable collections ever brought to auction, including the record-breaking Paul G. Allen Collection. At the same time, Bonnie has expanded digital engagement which has opened new pathways for a younger and more diverse generation of collectors. Her leadership reflects her creative background and her skill in helping great institutions evolve with purpose.
Before joining Christie’s in 2012, Bonnie built her career at Sotheby’s after beginning in advertising at J. Walter Thompson. A graduate of Northwestern University, she also serves on nonprofit boards and remains committed to strengthening the cultural and civic institutions that enhance public life.