Events & AwardsOct 22, 2025
Hillsborough Antique Show Gets New OwnerAuctionsOct 24, 2025
Bonhams Under New Ownership, Top Executives Replaced
London-based investment firm Pemberton Asset Management acquired the auction house for an undisclosed amount.
Bonhams’ London flagship on New Bond Street. The auction house has been acquired by Pemberton Asset Management for an undisclosed amount. (Image courtesy of Bonhams)
London—Bonhams announced last week that it is under new ownership, which also means a change in executive leadership.
London-based investment firm Pemberton Asset Management acquired the auction house for an undisclosed amount from Epiris, the private equity firm that acquired Bonhams in 2018.
Epiris had considered selling Bonhams in 2023 for around $1 billion and approached JPMorgan Chase & Co. to advise on the deal, but it fell through.
During Epiris’ ownership, Bonhams scooped up smaller auction houses in Europe and the United States, including Bukowskis, Skinner, Rasmussen, and Cornette de Saint Cyr.
“Bonhams has achieved significant growth and sustained profitability over recent years, and we thank our former owners Epiris for their role during this time,” said Hans-Kristian Hoejsgaard, chairman of the board at Bonhams.
“Despite a challenging market, Bonhams’ resilient performance relative to the wider sector has been supported by investments in technology, the expansion of our global footprint, and being strategically positioned in the premium auction space and a leader in the mid-market.”
Related stories will be right here …
London-based investment firm Pemberton Asset Management acquired the auction house for an undisclosed amount from Epiris, the private equity firm that acquired Bonhams in 2018.
Epiris had considered selling Bonhams in 2023 for around $1 billion and approached JPMorgan Chase & Co. to advise on the deal, but it fell through.
During Epiris’ ownership, Bonhams scooped up smaller auction houses in Europe and the United States, including Bukowskis, Skinner, Rasmussen, and Cornette de Saint Cyr.
“Bonhams has achieved significant growth and sustained profitability over recent years, and we thank our former owners Epiris for their role during this time,” said Hans-Kristian Hoejsgaard, chairman of the board at Bonhams.
“Despite a challenging market, Bonhams’ resilient performance relative to the wider sector has been supported by investments in technology, the expansion of our global footprint, and being strategically positioned in the premium auction space and a leader in the mid-market.”
Hoejsgaard also announced a new leadership team.
Bonhams’ new executives have experience in venture capital, private equity, the automotive sector, operations, and law, a departure from the usual choice of individuals with luxury sector backgrounds.
Seth Johnson is the new CEO, succeeding former Global CEO Chabi Nouri. She joined Bonhams last year and previously was Piaget’s CEO.
Johnson was formerly the CEO of IPGL, a London-based venture capital and private equity firm, as per his LinkedIn profile.
Liese Thomas is Bonhams’ new chief financial officer. She was the former CFO of McLaren Automotive, as per her LinkedIn profile.
Jennifer Babington is the new chief operating officer. She previously served as operations director and general counsel of the Envision Virgin Racing Formula E Team, as per her LinkedIn profile.
Alex Lejeune, Bonhams’s former CFO and COO, will stay on during the transition period, as per ArtNews.
Céline Assimon, the former De Beers executive who joined Bonhams in June, has left her position as the auction house’s as chief commercial officer, a Bonhams spokesperson confirmed.
The new leadership team has a track record of success, said Hoejsgaard, and has experience in serving high-value customers and guiding companies through periods of change.
“The partnership with Pemberton and [the] new leadership team strengthens our market position and supports our long-term growth ambitions,” he said.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Auctions
The Latest
CrimeAug 18, 2026
2 California Men Arrested in Fatal Vehicle Smash RobberyOne is the driver who allegedly crashed a car into a Sacramento jewelry store in April, striking a 71-year-old employee who later died.
ColumnistsAug 18, 2026
Peter Smith: The IKEA Effect and Bridal Branding In a new column, Peter Smith posits that people actually enjoy putting together IKEA furniture, and the same is true for engagement rings.
CrimeAug 18, 2026
Thieves Snatch $1M in Jewelry From New Jersey Jeweler9lakha Jewelers in Iselin, New Jersey, was the target of a smash-and-grab robbery on Aug. 8.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
Lab-GrownAug 18, 2026
Ring Concierge, Kendall Jenner Collab on Bridal Earrings GiveawayThe jeweler has partnered with Jenner’s 818 Tequila brand to gift lab-grown diamond studs to a bride-to-be and their bridal party.
Weekly QuizAug 13, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsAug 17, 2026
Exhibition on Louis Comfort Tiffany’s Studios to Open at The MetThe exhibition will feature more than 100 drawings of stained-glass lampshades, windows, and more, many created by women and émigrés.
CollectionsAug 17, 2026
Marquise Diamonds Dance in Spinelli Kilcollin’s ‘Wren’ CollectionMarquise-cut diamonds in drop charms are the center of the new collection, reflecting the movement of a dancer in modular styles.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
Events & AwardsAug 17, 2026
There’s a New Jewelry Show Coming to FloridaThe inaugural Fort Lauderdale Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show will be held from Jan. 28 through Feb. 1, 2027.
IndependentsAug 14, 2026
Smyth Jewelers to Open Fourth LocationThe family-owned jeweler will open a new showroom in Bel Air, Maryland, this fall.
CrimeAug 14, 2026
Wife of Man Convicted in Jeweler’s Murder Sentenced for Conspiracy Amanda Ileana Hernandez is married to Carlos Hernandez, one of two men in prison for the 2024 murder of Michigan jeweler Hussein Murray.
TrendsAug 14, 2026
Paul Morelli’s Latest ‘Wavey Vine’ Earrings Embrace ColorThe reimagined jewel, our Piece of the Week, trades the diamonds in the original 1998 design for blue, pink, yellow, and green sapphires.
Supplier BulletinAug 13, 2026
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSponsored by American Gem Trade Association
FinancialsAug 13, 2026
Pandora’s ‘Talisman’ Collection Shines, Lab-Grown Diamond Sales FallIn the United States, second-quarter sales were flat amid soft consumer sentiment and lower in-store traffic.
SourcingAug 13, 2026
2,488-Carat Diamond, Largest Found in Botswana, Has a New Owner Lucara Diamond Corp., which recovered the “Motswedi” diamond from the Karowe mine, sold the stone for an undisclosed amount.
CollectionsAug 13, 2026
John Hardy Infuses ‘Icon,’ ‘Heishi’ Collections with ColorThe expanded collections now feature hand-cut gemstones like topaz, tanzanite, chrysoprase, chalcedony, smoky quartz, and fire opal.
Lab-GrownAug 13, 2026
Jean Dousset Opens Third StoreThe lab-grown diamond jewelry brand’s newest boutique is in Westfield Valley Fair in Santa Clara, California.
SourcingAug 12, 2026
Eshed-Gemstar on the Painstaking Process of Cutting ‘The Legacy Emerald’The gemstone supplier and manufacturer acquired the remarkable 104-gram Zambian emerald at Gemfields’ auction in May.
CrimeAug 12, 2026
Elderly NYC Woman Targeted in Jewelry Swap SchemeTwo suspects offered to trade the woman a “winning” lottery ticket for her jewelry.
SourcingAug 12, 2026
Another Diamond Mine Poised to CloseFinsch has been in business rescue since May, and owner Petra Diamonds said it sees no viable path forward for the mine.
CrimeAug 12, 2026
Jewelry Store Employee Gets 20 Years to Life in Choking Death of BossMichel Patrick DeSalles was sentenced after pleading guilty to the 2017 murder of Omid Gholian, who owned a jewelry store in Manhattan.
MajorsAug 12, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names New SVP of SalesLongtime industry executive Beth Miller has taken on the role.
MajorsAug 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Selects Mattel Exec to Lead Zales, BanterJamie Cygielman will take on the role on Aug. 24.
IndependentsAug 11, 2026
Polly’s Fine Jewelry Co-Owner Richard Moore Dies at 69Moore, Polly’s husband, is remembered as a family man with an easygoing spirit and a love for sports and the outdoors.
ColumnistsAug 11, 2026
Creative Connecting: How to Sell Colored Gemstones to Gen ZDuvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams share the best ways to display, present, and explain colored gemstones to younger customers.
Events & AwardsAug 11, 2026
NAJA Announces Lineup For 2026 Fall Virtual ConferenceThe mid-year conference for jewelry and watch appraisers will take place Sept. 5-6 on Zoom.
TechnologyAug 10, 2026
Colorado Jeweler Launches Customization Tool He Built HimselfHonest Hands Ring Co. Founder Benjamin Bosworth shared his thoughts on jewelry technology and why AI can never replace the human element.
