HONG KONG: As part of AXA ART and AXA General Insurance’s recently expanded partnership, Anthony Osborn has been appointed as managing director of AXA ART to strengthen engagement with art collectors, museums, institutions, artists and galleries across Asia.
Osborn, who has extensive experience in international financial services, has held various strategy and development roles across AXA Group’s businesses, most recently as interim CEO of AXA ART Insurance UK operations. Osborn was educated at St. Catherine’s College, Oxford University.
“[Osborn’s] appointment is an important step forward as AXA ART strengthens its focus on supporting collectors, galleries, museums, artists and other art professionals who continue to fuel the growth of art communities across the Asia Pacific region,” said Dr Ulrich Guntram, global CEO of AXA ART.
The Asian art markets have been gaining worldwide recognition, led by China. The findings of a 2013 Art Market Report commissioned by The European Fine Art Foundation said China accounts for 25 per cent of the global art market with aggregate sales of €10.6 billion (HK$107 billion) in 2012.
“This is an exciting time for all – whether you are actively involved in, interested in or an observer of the art-world in Asia,” Osborn said. “The pace of growth and development of both local art professionals and the influx of international interest are strong and increasing. I look forward to being part of a collaborative team of experts from AXA ART and AXA General Insurance who are working to deliver innovative solutions and exceptional service to benefit the art industry and brokers across Asia, as they seek information and strategies on caring for and protecting valued collections.”
With its solid expertise and exposure, AXA ART combines a diverse knowledge of international insurance and art market expertise with a creative and flexible approach to individual risks, Guntram said, adding that AXA ART is able to provide art insurance coverage tailored to individual clients.
For more than 50 years, AXA ART has provided speciality coverage for private and corporate collections, museums, exhibitions, galleries, conservators, artists, and historic properties in the Americas, Asia and Europe.
In 2012, AXA ART announced a successful extension of its service offerings to China by making available a range of customised art insurance products and services to meet the growing demands of the mainland art and collecting communities.
