Frieze has announced the appointment of Frank Lasry as its new Chief Operating Officer, effective June. Reporting directly to Frieze CEO Simon Fox, Lasry brings over two decades of extensive experience in the art industry.
Lasry's background includes significant roles at renowned institutions, most recently serving as COO at Perrotin, where he oversaw operations across nine global locations. His previous tenure at Art Basel from 2018 to 2023 culminated in his promotion to Managing Director, where he played a pivotal role in launching Art Basel Paris in 2022.
Starting his career in the auction sector, Lasry held senior positions at Christie's and later at Phillips, managing operations in Europe and Asia. He expressed his enthusiasm for joining Frieze, stating, "Frieze is a unique brand with a mission to expand the reach and understanding of contemporary art, and I could not be prouder to be associated with it."
Fox welcomed Lasry to the team, highlighting his operational expertise as a vital asset for Frieze's global expansion and its commitment to galleries, collectors, and partners.
This hiring marks a significant move following Frieze's transition in ownership from Silver Lake Management to the newly formed Mari, led by entertainment mogul Ari Emanuel. Since the acquisition was finalized last fall, Frieze has announced plans to take over the Abu Dhabi Art fair and rebrand it as Frieze Abu Dhabi, furthering its reach into the Gulf region.
Frieze's expansion mirrors the trajectory of Art Basel, which recently launched a fair in Qatar. As the inaugural edition of Frieze Abu Dhabi is scheduled for November, the organization has yet to comment on how current regional tensions might affect the event.
Lasry's leadership is anticipated to propel Frieze into a new era of innovation and collaboration within the contemporary art landscape, potentially reshaping the future of art fairs globally.