Philips names new head of digital for Asia

Fine art and luxury auction house Philips has appointed Kiki Wang (pictured) as its new head of digital for Asia, effective immediately. 

Before joining Phillips, Wang spent over five years at lululemon, most recently as senior product manager for martech and CRM across APAC. In that role, she led product strategy and execution for super-app ecosystems, personalisation, and customer retention. Her career also includes senior positions at Christie's, GoBear, and OnePlus.

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out to Wang for more information. 

Wang's appointment comes as Phillips reports strong global momentum and digital growth. According to CEO Martin Wilson, global auction sales at Phillips grew 60% year-on-year, achieving a 90% lot sell-through rate.

"We were privileged to present landmark private collections this season... both contributed meaningfully to our modern and contemporary art and cross-category offerings," Wilson noted, highlighting white-glove watch auctions across Geneva, New York, and Hong Kong, as well as strong results in jewels, photography, design, and editions.

Crucially for Wang’s new role, digital engagement and demographic shifts are driving much of the brand's momentum. Roughly 40% of Phillips’ buyers this season were new to the auction house, with Millennials and Gen Z representing one in three bidders and buyers. Additionally, 70% of works were sold online.

"Collecting is more international, more digitally connected, and more generationally diverse—and Phillips is meeting that shift with purpose and distinction," Wilson added, pointing to innovations such as Priority Bidding, a reimagined mobile app, and eCommerce platforms such as Dropshop.

The digital expansion complements Phillips’ physical presence in Asia. In 2021, the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority (WestK) announced that Phillips would lease 48,000 square feet across the main floors of its administrative building adjacent to the M+ museum to serve as its Asia headquarters.

At the time, WestK CEO Betty Fung Ching Suk-yee hailed the deal as a momentous "long-term collaboration... in contributing to local, regional, and international arts and cultural development," though the move also sparked debate among cultural critics regarding the intersection of commercial interests and public cultural space. Driven by rapid growth in the region, Phillips' Hong Kong sales nearly doubled in the year leading up to the headquarters' opening.

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