Patricia Barbizet


Patricia Barbizet is a prominent figure in the French business world. Over the course of her career, she served as Chief Executive Officer of Christie's from 2014 until 2016, the first female CEO of the company; Executive Director of Groupe Artémis from 1992 until 2017; and as Vice-Chairman of the Board of Kering and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Christie's.

Early life and education

Born to film producer Philippe Dussart and painter Monique Cartier, Barbizet graduated from ESCP Europe in 1976, thereby becoming one of the school’s first 20 female graduates.

Career

Barbizet began her career as an executive assistant with Renault in 1977. She then held the positions of International Treasurer followed by "Group Treasurer" of RVI until 1984, and finally CFO of Renault Crédit International and Director of Renault Acceptance BV from 1984 to 1989.
In 1989, Barbizet joined the Pinault Group as Chief Financial Officer and was appointed Deputy Director-General for Finance and Communication of Pinault-CFAO before becoming Managing Director of Groupe Artémis, the investment company of the Pinault family. In this capacity, she served as Vice President of the Board of Kering, the world Number 3 in the luxury goods sector, Chairman of Christie's International PLC and she served on the boards of several of the Group's companies. From 2014 until 2016, she served as CEO of Christie's after Steven P. Murphy stepped down.
Appointed by President Nicolas Sarkozy of France, Barbizet headed the Investment Committee of the €20 billion Strategic Investment Fund, from 2008 to 2013. In 2017, she was appointed chairwoman of the French High Committee on Corporate Governance.
In 2017, Barbizet left Artemis after nearly 30 years.

Other activities

Corporate boards

In November 2012, Barbizet was honored by the international educational organization, Humanity in Action. In 2015, she was ranked 6 in Fortune Magazine's 50 Most Powerful Women EMEA.

Personal life

Her husband, Jean Barbizet, former President of Barclays Capital France, headed the investment division of Barclays Bank.