“Curating Connections, Cultivating Excellence.”

In the refined world of art, auction, and cultural heritage, Carly Murphy has emerged as a transformative figure whose influence spans the top echelons of client strategy and development. With over two decades of expertise, Carly’s leadership is rooted in a rare blend of analytical precision, strategic foresight, and a deep reverence for the arts. As Senior Vice President and Head of Client Strategy for the Americas at Christie’s, she commands a reputation as both a trusted executive and a respected steward of client engagement and data-driven insights within the global auction industry.

Carly began her storied career at Sotheby’s Auction House in 2003, where she served as an assistant to Vice Chairman David Redden. In this foundational role, she learned the intricacies of auction operations, building a robust understanding of client relations, consignment processes, and internal coordination. Her dedication and attention to detail quickly set her apart, enabling her to transition into progressively more strategic roles that capitalized on her talent for synthesizing data and cultivating relationships.

By 2007, Carly had risen to the role of Assistant Vice President in Client Development, providing indispensable support to Sotheby’s Contemporary Art department and the U.S. Chairman. She was instrumental in advancing the firm’s engagement with VIP clients through curated events, sales activations, and bespoke strategies. This role was the launchpad for what would become a career defined by nuanced client insights and transformative business development initiatives.

Her acumen became even more pronounced when she joined Phillips Auction House in 2012 as Assistant Vice President of Client Development. There, Carly helped design and implement a comprehensive client system, integrating transactional and biographical data to enable a more holistic approach to relationship management. Her efforts contributed to a cultural shift within the organization—toward a more interconnected and client-centric business model.

In 2014, Carly returned to Sotheby’s, this time as Vice President of Global Client Development. Over four years, she supported high-level stakeholders within the Chairmen’s Group, crafting strategic outreach programs, identifying short- and long-term opportunities, and ensuring the highest caliber of client experiences. Her ability to harmonize executive vision with actionable strategy played a vital role in expanding the organization’s influence among elite collectors and art investors worldwide.

Her strategic talents culminated in her promotion to Vice President, Data Management Director at Sotheby’s in 2018. In this capacity, Carly revolutionized the firm’s use of client and object data, developing universal systems that maximized business potential and protected data integrity. Leading a team of specialists, she embedded analytical intelligence into the fabric of business decisions—a legacy that continues to influence best practices across the industry.

Today, as Senior Vice President and Head of Client Strategy at Christie’s, Carly leads a team of eighteen professionals dedicated to integrating data with client, sales, and object insights. She collaborates directly with the organization’s top business getters, optimizing relationships with established clients and uncovering pathways to new prospects. Her leadership is marked by clarity, trust, and innovation—traits that have enabled her to maintain client loyalty and stimulate growth in a competitive global market.

Beyond her executive roles, Carly is an advocate for the power of art to enrich communities. She serves on the Advisory Council of the Raclin Murphy Museum of Art at the University of Notre Dame and contributes her expertise as a committee member with ArtTable, Montclair Art Museum, and Women of Concern. She is also an active supporter of Voices of Contemporary Art, extending her commitment to cultural stewardship beyond the boardroom.

Carly’s educational foundation is as robust as her career, with a Master of Arts in French and Francophone Studies and a dual Bachelor’s degree in Art History and French from the University of Notre Dame, graduating magna cum laude. She also holds a post-graduate certificate in American Fine and Decorative Arts from Sotheby’s Institute of Art. Her fluency in French and experience in musical performance reflect a lifelong appreciation for artistic expression, complementing her professional achievements with personal depth.

With her unmatched combination of operational leadership, artistic sensibility, and relational intelligence, Carly Murphy represents an ideal candidate for board positions across the arts, cultural institutions, and client-focused enterprises. She is now seeking opportunities to extend her strategic vision and collaborative spirit to organizations that value innovation, excellence, and the enduring power of relationships.

Character:

Carly embodies integrity and empathy in every aspect of her leadership. She builds trust across teams and with clients by consistently aligning her actions with her values and showing respect for the unique contributions of others.

Knowledge:

With 20 years of experience in the global art market and elite auction houses, Carly has deep institutional knowledge paired with technical fluency in data strategy and client development. Her educational background further supports her nuanced understanding of the cultural and historical significance of her field.

Strategic:

Carly’s ability to identify and operationalize growth opportunities sets her apart as a visionary strategist. She combines data insights with a keen understanding of human behavior to drive sustainable, relationship-based business development.

Communication:

Fluent in both English and French, Carly excels in articulating complex ideas with clarity and purpose. Her communication style fosters transparency, collaboration, and engagement among stakeholders at every level.