Elaine Kwok. Photo: Dickson Kwok

Elaine Kwok to join the gallery as Managing Partner in Asia

9 February 2022

The new appointment will lead Hauser & Wirth’s activities across Asia

We have been active in Asia for over a decade, developing our presence through our Hong Kong space, which opened in 2018, and an ongoing program of exhibitions, partnerships, and fair presentations. A highly respected industry figure, Kwok will bring enhanced leadership to the Asia team ensuring that excellence and an artist-centered approach continue to be the hallmarks of Hauser & Wirth’s growing activity in the region.

Kwok joins the gallery with an outstanding track record of art world experience following a 15-year tenure at Christie’s auction house, most recently as Director, 20th and 21st Century Art and principal auctioneer. Kwok launched and led Christie’s Education in Asia for six years as part of the auction house’s expansion into China. She holds an advisory role on the Museum Committee for the Leisure and Cultural Services Department of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and is Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee for Friends of Hong Kong Museum of Art.

At Hauser & Wirth, Kwok’s strategic guidance and exemplary network will reinforce the gallery’s strong relationships with collectors, public institutions, and private museums in China and across Asia. Based in Hong Kong, Kwok will report directly to the global CEO, Ewan Venters, working closely with the Presidents of the gallery, Iwan Wirth, Manuela Wirth, and Marc Payot.

‘With Elaine on board as our Managing Partner in Asia, we reaffirm our commitment to the region and look forward to deepening our connections and developing new projects.’—Ewan Venters

Kwok earned her two Master’s degrees from Stanford Graduate School of Business and from the School of Oriental and African Studies in London. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in History and Literature from Harvard University.

‘We are thrilled that Elaine has decided to join to the gallery and are excited to continue to develop relationships in the region on behalf of our artists,’ says Ewan Venters. ‘With Elaine on board as our Managing Partner in Asia, we reaffirm our commitment to the region and look forward to deepening our connections and developing new projects.’