Leonard Joel snaps up more talent, withdraws Tom Roberts
Share
Another jewellery expert has jumped ship from Smith & Singer to join rival firm Leonard Joel. Patricia Kontos starts at Leonard Joel on Monday as senior specialist, following in the footsteps of Hamish Sharma who made an unforgettable exit from Smith & Singer last year to become Leonard Joel’s Head of Important Jewels. The recruitment drive is part of Leonard Joel’s expansion into the jewellery market across Melbourne, Sydney and now Brisbane, with a permanent office opening in Queensland next month, headed by Troy McKenzie.
John Albrecht sees value in the jewellery market for Leonard Joel.
Blow for Menzies as Turner bows out
Share
In a significant loss for Menzies Art Brands, Head of Art Justin Turner has quietly resigned from the company for personal reasons. The hard-working Turner consigned the sensation of last year, Brett Whiteley’s
Henri’s Armchair, 1974-1975, which realised $6.136 million (including buyer’s premium) at a gala solo auction in Sydney last November, making it the most expensive artwork ever sold on the secondary market in Australia.
Turner joined the company in 2013 as Head of Art at Lawson-Menzies and was appointed chief executive of Menzies Art Brands the following year. Last August he stepped down as chief executive to become Head of Art. Saleroom learnt of Turner’s exit when enquiring about his return from leave. The search is now on for a new Head of Art, and with owner Rod Menzies pulling back from the daily business due to ill health, one anticipates more changes to come at the company.