Marc Spiegler leaves Art Basel after 15 years. In his place comes Noah Horowitz

After 15 years, Marc Spiegler, Art Basel’s longtime director, is leaving the world’s largest and most important contemporary art fair. Spiegler, a French-American art journalist born in 1968 in Oxford, had joined MCH Group, the group that runs Art Basel, in 2007 as co-director, before becoming global director in 2012. Succeeding him is U.S. art historian, born in 1979, Noah Horowitz, who served as Art Basel’s director for the Americas from 2015 to 2021, then moved for a brief stint to Sotheby’s where he was head of private services. Prior to that, he was director of the Armoury Show in New York, America’s premier trade show.

The group’s Board of Directors and management team wanted to thank Marc Spiegler for his longstanding commitment as head of the leading global platform for contemporary and modern art, with offices in Basel, Miami Beach, Hong Kong, and now Paris. At the same time, the MCH Group Board of Directors and CEO Florian Faber welcome Noah Horowitz, who will take up his post on November 7. As outgoing global director, Marc Spiegler will support Noah Horowitz until the end of the year, including the 20th anniversary edition of Art Basel Miami Beach (Dec. 1-3). After that, he will continue as a consultant at Art Basel for the next six months.

“Under Marc Spiegler’s leadership, Art Basel has become what it is today: one of the most prestigious and valuable brands in the international art market,” says Andrea Zappia, Chairman of the Board of MCH Group. “Our thanks go to Marc for his great personal commitment, his networking in the global art world and his remarkable achievements in the development of Art Basel.” Zappia then adds, “On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, I am pleased to welcome Noah Horowitz back to the team. We are convinced that Noah’s business acumen, digital expertise, and extensive relationships within the international gallery and collector community will be instrumental in the further development of Art Basel and in realizing the company’s ambitious growth plans both at its headquarters and internationally.”

“We are particularly pleased that Noah is returning to Art Basel as the new CEO, further strengthening the MCH Group management team as a colleague going forward,” says Florian Faber, CEO of MCH Group. “I have already had the opportunity to work with Noah in the past and I am confident that with his exceptional experience in the global art world, he will successfully lead Art Basel into its next phase. Noah is held in high regard in the industry, combining a deep understanding of the art market and its players with a passion for the visual arts, business knowledge and digital transformation. Together with Noah, we will solidify Art Basel’s position as the world’s leading platform for modern and contemporary art and move forward with our innovative initiatives.” Florian Faber continues, "Marc Spiegler has done an outstanding job in the development of Art Basel over the past fifteen years. The recent Paris+ premiere of Art Basel and the upcoming 20th anniversary edition of Art Basel Miami Beach are two more highlights of a long and illustrious career. We cannot thank Marc enough and wish him all the best in his future endeavors."

"After the successful premiere of Paris+ and with the upcoming 20th anniversary of Art Basel Miami Beach,“ Spiegler explains, ”I leave Art Basel on a high note. Leading the next phase of Art Basel’s evolution will take many years and a different set of skills. After launching new exhibitions in Hong Kong and Paris, organizing 43 fairs, and leading Art Basel through a global pandemic, it is time to pass the baton. Fortunately, my friend Noah Horowitz-the perfect person to take Art Basel forward-will lead this development. Finally, I would like to thank my incredible team and colleagues around the world for their passion, commitment, and dedication."

“I am honored and delighted to return to Art Basel in my new role,” says Noah Horowitz. “I would like to thank MCH Group and Florian for their confidence in me, as well as Marc for his stewardship over the years. The Art Basel team is incredibly engaged and I look forward to working with my colleagues and all stakeholders in the Art Basel community to guide and evolve the business as we collectively embark on a new chapter.”

Pictured: left Marc Spiegler, right Noah Horowitz.

Marc Spiegler leaves Art Basel after 15 years. In his place comes Noah Horowitz

Warning: the translation into English of the original Italian article was created using automatic tools. We undertake to review all articles, but we do not guarantee the total absence of inaccuracies in the translation due to the program. You can find the original by clicking on the ITA button. If you find any mistake,please contact us.