Pace Gallery has strategically enhanced its New York team with the addition of Timo Kappeller as Senior Director, a move set to bolster both sales and artist engagement. Kappeller officially commenced his new responsibilities on January 20. His appointment is poised to leverage his extensive experience within the art sector, encompassing various roles that blend curatorial oversight with commercial acumen. This development underscores Pace's ongoing commitment to fostering robust connections with artists and collectors while navigating the evolving dynamics of the global art market.
Kappeller joins Pace Gallery following a distinguished three-year period as the Artistic Director of The Campus, a collaborative exhibition venue in upstate New York. This unique space operates under the collective vision of several prominent galleries, including Bortolami, James Cohan, Kaufmann Repetto, Anton Kern, Andrew Kreps, and Kurimanzutto. Prior to this, Kappeller held significant leadership positions at renowned institutions such as Hauser & Wirth and Andrew Kreps. His foundational career experiences were cultivated in Europe, where he contributed to prestigious events like Documenta in Kassel, Germany, and the KW Institute for Contemporary Art in Berlin, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of both European and international art landscapes.
This strategic hiring comes at a notable juncture for Pace Gallery, following a series of high-profile departures within its senior ranks over the past two years. In September of the previous year, Senior Vice President Jessie Washburne-Harris transitioned to White Cube as its global director. This was succeeded by the announcement in November that artist Yoshitomo Nara would move his representation to David Zwirner, a shift facilitated by Joe Baptista, who had served as a partner at Pace until 2025. Earlier in 2024, Gary Waterson, who had recently assumed the role of executive vice president of global sales and operations, was among three employees whose positions were eliminated. Kappeller's arrival signals a renewed focus on stability and growth within the gallery's leadership structure.
For Kappeller, this new role represents a return to a sales-oriented position within the art market, although he views it as an evolution rather than a fundamental change. Throughout his career, he has seamlessly integrated exhibition development, sales strategies, and institutional affiliations, often operating in spaces where these distinct categories converge. Kappeller emphasizes his enduring commitment to understanding and supporting artists' journeys, coupled with a dedication to articulating their work with utmost clarity and integrity. This holistic approach aligns with Pace's philosophy of nurturing long-term artistic careers and making thoughtful decisions about how artworks transition between creation, collection, and public display, without being unduly influenced by short-term market fluctuations.
Kappeller's perspective extends to a nuanced view of the current market. While recent discourse has often centered on emerging artists and younger collectors, he identifies a significant, yet often overlooked, opportunity in the realm of mid-career artists. These are individuals who have consistently produced significant bodies of work for decades but may not have fully benefited from previous market cycles. Kappeller believes there is immense potential in revisiting and re-evaluating the relevance of these artists, whose contributions to the art world have remained steadfast, even if their market visibility has varied. Pace President Samanthe Rubell echoed this sentiment, highlighting Kappeller's broad experience and deep relationships with artists and collectors as invaluable assets that will strengthen the New York team and enhance the gallery's capacity to support artists at all stages of their professional development. Furthermore, Kappeller's European background complements Pace's expanding international strategy, particularly its growth in German-speaking territories, exemplified by the opening of its Berlin outpost last year, alongside its established presence in major global art hubs.
The appointment of Timo Kappeller as Senior Director in New York signifies Pace Gallery's strategic investment in experienced leadership to navigate the complexities of the contemporary art market. His diverse background, encompassing artistic direction, sales, and institutional engagement, positions him uniquely to foster enduring artist relationships and drive commercial success. This move also reflects Pace's dedication to a patient, long-term approach to artist career management and a keen eye for untapped market potential, particularly among mid-career artists. With his international experience, Kappeller is expected to contribute significantly to the gallery's global outreach and its mission to provide comprehensive support for artists.