The art world is undergoing significant changes with notable appointments and departures at esteemed institutions, including the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, the American Folk Art Museum, and the Andy Warhol Museum.
The Art World’s New Chapter: Notable Appointments and Departures
Change is a constant force in the art world, and recent announcements have brought about significant shifts in the industry. From new directors taking the reins at esteemed institutions to notable departures from prominent positions, these developments are sure to impact the art landscape.
The Asian Art Museum of San Francisco Names Dr. Soyoung Lee CEO
Dr. Soyoung Lee has been appointed as the next Barbara Bass Bakar Director and CEO of the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco, effective April 2025. A renowned curator with a proven track record, Lee brings an impressive résumé to the role, having spent the past several years refining the Harvard Art Museums’ artistic vision. Her scholarly publications, including “Diamond Mountains: Travel and Nostalgia in Korean Art” (2018) and “Silla: Korea’s Golden Kingdom” (2013), have cemented her reputation as a leading voice in the field.
Lee arrives at the Asian Art Museum with an impeccable résumé, having spent 15 years at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. She was the institution’s first-ever curator of Korean art, significantly expanding its influence in the U.S. museum world. Her global perspective, honed from living in various cities worldwide, will undoubtedly bring a fresh approach to the Asian Art Museum.
The American Folk Art Museum Promotes Emelie Gevalt to Deputy Director
Emelie Gevalt has been promoted to deputy director and chief curatorial and program officer at the American Folk Art Museum. Since joining the institution in 2019, Gevalt has been instrumental in sharpening the museum’s curatorial vision and scholarly reach. Her dedication to building on this momentum is evident in her statement, “I am delighted to expand the scope of my responsibilities.”
Gevalt’s notable curatorial highlights include “What That Quilt Knows About Me” (2023) and “Unnamed Figures: Black Presence and Absence in the Early American North” (2023). Her ability to advance new interpretations and perceptions has earned her recognition within the field as one of the leading American art curators of her generation.
Irene Kim Leaves Art Basel
Irene Kim, global head of VIP relations at Art Basel, will be stepping down from her position on January 24. With a career spanning over eight years, Kim has been instrumental in cultivating relationships with international collectors, patrons, and cultural institutions. Her leadership skills have successfully strengthened engagement among the fair’s VIP audience.
Kim’s background in art, business, and high-net-worth client relations makes her an invaluable asset to any institution. Before joining Art Basel, she held positions at Sotheby’s Preferred in the Americas and worked as associate manager of corporate development at the Guggenheim.
Mario R. Rossero Named Director of the Andy Warhol Museum
Mario R. Rossero will become director of the Andy Warhol Museum and vice president of Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, effective March 31. A seasoned arts educator with a knack for making innovation and creativity accessible to all, Rossero has spent his career at the intersection of arts education and cultural leadership.
Rossero’s appointment is seen as a full-circle moment, given his early career as an artist educator at the Andy Warhol Museum. His track record of institutional success includes securing an $8.5 million U.S. Department of Education grant to revamp arts education nationwide.
Artnet Founder Hans Neuendorf Steps Down
Hans Neuendorf, founder of Artnet, is stepping down from the company’s board after a proposed supervisory board was outlined at the annual shareholder meeting. This move has been dubbed a “major shakeup” by The Art Newspaper.
Neuendorf founded Artnet in 1989 as a comprehensive online database of auction results and sales analytics. Under his leadership, Artnet revolutionized how art is bought and sold by facilitating online art transactions. Neuendorf’s commitment to transparency in the art market has left an indelible mark on the industry.
Mari-Claudia Jiménez Leaves Sotheby’s
Puck’s Marion Maneker reports that Mari-Claudia Jiménez is leaving Sotheby’s, although the auction house has yet to announce a successor. A Fordham University Law School graduate, Jiménez made the leap from private legal practice to the high-stakes auction world in 2016.
Her legal acumen and early background in art history have made her an invaluable asset in high-value estate planning and art sales. Jiménez has long worked at the intersection of law and the global art market, supporting clients in complex transactions and restitution cases.
The Met Appoints Paul Pineau as General Counsel and Secretary
The Metropolitan Museum of Art named Paul Pineau as its new general counsel and secretary following an extensive national search. Pineau arrives with a formidable legal and leadership résumé, having tackled governance issues and steered intricate capital projects at Johns Hopkins University. His public service commitments extend well beyond his professional titles, making him a valuable addition to the Met’s leadership team.
Pineau’s appointment is seen as a coup for the museum, highlighting his “exemplary legal skills and expertise” as well as his “demonstrated success in providing strategic leadership and counsel amid complex challenges.
