Following his decades-long career in the art and luxury industry in Asia, Kevin Ching’s new role at Christie’s has seen him deepen and expand the auction house’s client relationships across the region. In his previous role as Sotheby’s chief executive officer in Asia from 2006 until his retirement in 2021, Ching was responsible for its strategic expansion in the region, particularly into mainland China. A year after coming out of retirement for this new chapter at Christie’s, Ching sits down with Tatler.
Tell us about your journey into the auction industry.
I was never good with numbers or science. I was more of an art and culture person. My parents wanted me to become a doctor, but that never happened, as I kept failing my science exams at school. They sent me to England in the 1970s for boarding school and further education and I did very well as a law student. I even studied Chinese and Soviet law for my master’s degree.
I eventually returned to Hong Kong and became one of the youngest partners at Johnson Stokes & Master, [then] one of the largest law firms in Hong Kong. I started collecting small Chinese jade carvings and developed friendships with many collectors socially. I was stationed in Beijing for two years in the 1980s as [the law firm’s] China representative, during which I became even more interested in Chinese history and culture. I spent all my weekends visiting museums and historical sites, as well as flea markets. Beijing and its people were fascinating.
This story is from the July 2024 edition of Tatler Hong Kong.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July 2024 edition of Tatler Hong Kong.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
THE LAST WORD
Every issue, we ask our cover star a round of quickfire questions that give us a little more insight into their personalities. This month: Gulf Kanawut lays it bare
WOMEN AT THE WICKET
Asia's women's cricket teams from outside the Indian subcontinent have been rapidly rising up through the ranks, creating opportunities, breaking barriers and changing the game as they go
TIME TURNER
A 2024 Turner Prize nominee, British Filipino artist Pio Abad talks to Tatler about carrying on family legacy, unearthing historical connections and why the Philippines is always at the core of his work
ROYAL RICHES
Ahead of the opening of Prince and the Peacock, Black Sheep Restaurants' latest establishment, Tatler joins the hospitality group on a culinary pilgrimage to India
MAKING HER POINT
Foil fencer Daphne Chan is happy to see the rising interest in her sport since Cheung Ka-long's historic win, and is headed to the Games with impressive wins behind her. But she's not allowing the pressure to get to her, and is most excited about who she might meet in Paris
IN IT TO WIN IT
Hong Kong freestyle swimmer Ian Ho, whose Instagram handle @Amphlb_ian playfully alludes to his aquatic prowess, competed at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo and won silver in the men's 50 metres freestyle at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou. This month, he will represent Hong Kong at the Paris Olympics. He talks to Tatler about making Hong Kong proud, life as a student and professional athlete-and why relaxing is the way forward
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Two-time Olympic swimmer Camille Cheng thought Tokyo 2020 would be her last Games, but competing in Paris was too big a draw for the French Chinese athlete
INTRIGUE AND INTRICACIES
Parisian artist Ugo Gattoni takes us through his elaborately designed poster for the Olympics and Paralympics in his home city this month
Crafting a New Legacy
Nicholas Lieou, creative director of high jewellery at Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group, is reimagining jewellery, as the brand celebrates its 95th anniversary
A Lasting Legacy
Tatler explores Cartier's latest Watches and Wonders novelties with the maison's image, style and heritage director, who explains how the luxury house continues to create designs that are relevant today, yet rooted in legacy