Meet the Team: Louisa Hirst, Head of Client Relations - Asia Pacific and Middle East

Louisa Hirst, Head of Client Relations for APAC and the Middle East at zkipster, hails from Sydney, Australia.

She moved to New York in her 20s and, after living in the US for 14 years, is now back home in Australia. She joined zkipster in early 2019 to focus on business development in the Asia Pacific region.

Louisa, tell us about your career before you arrived at zkipster.

"I studied for a BA at Sydney University, majoring in Fine Art History and English Literature. On graduating I became a gallery manager, first for the Dickerson Gallery, a private commercial gallery, and then for Savill Galleries, Australia’s leading commercial gallery specializing in well-established Australian artists.

"My husband and I decided to move to New York, and one of the first things I did there was to take a fine art appraisal course at NYU. I’m passionate about art and really enjoyed working in galleries, but I was keen to move into the auction space. Luckily enough, one of the  tutors knew the then CEO of Sotheby’s, Bill Ruprecht, who happened to be looking for an Executive Assistant. After an introduction and four hours of interviews, the job was mine!

"I ended up working with Bill at Sotheby’s New York for seven years. He’s one of the most generous, kind and astute individuals I’ve ever had the pleasure of working alongside, and the brilliant team he assembled around him became my second, much-loved family.

"I have incredible memories of my time at Sotheby’s, from visiting the spectacular homes of famous collectors, to being taken on back-of-house tours of leading museums, to witnessing the Magna Carta, the first rules of basketball, the writings of Martin Luther King and iconic Damien Hirst pieces being sold at blockbuster auctions, to name just a few.

"After seven years in the executive office I moved to Client Development; helping existing collectors find extraordinary objects in upcoming auctions and targeting potential new collectors. I worked alongside Senior Specialists in Asian art, 20^th Century design, photography, Latin American art, American art and jewelry, which I particularly loved. Every day I had the opportunity to experience incredible works of art and help find a home for them with Sotheby’s valued collectors."

Tell us about your role at zkipster.

"After 14 wonderful years in New York, we moved back to Sydney to be closer to family. Soon after, I was introduced to the young Swiss guys behind the tech Sotheby’s uses to power its events: zkipster! Daniel and David asked if I would like to join the company to look after clients in the APAC region. I knew the zkipster product from my time at Sotheby’s and had a strong client relations background, so it seemed like a great fit. 

"When I joined zkipster Olivia was managing Client Relations from London. There was healthy organic growth in APAC but they needed someone to carry out proactive business development in the region. I use my client-facing experience to build relationships, expose zkipster to target industries, and win new business.

"Having used zkipster at Sotheby’s, I understand the use cases really well, whether the tech is being used to power fine art events, movie screenings, VIP sports hospitality, luxury brand launches or high security private events. My experience at Sotheby’s also means that I’m used to working with people from all over the world, across time zones: I speak to Australian clients in the morning, Asian clients in the afternoon, and finish the day speaking to clients in the Middle East.

"After I joined zkipster in 2019 I spent a year ramping up, meeting clients, trying to develop the Asian market…and then Covid hit. zkipster management was truly amazing; keeping everyone on three days a week despite the fact that our main business - live events - was forced on an extended hiatus. 

"Now, in addition to looking after APAC clients, I also oversee Client Relations for the Middle East: a new region full of exciting opportunities for zkipster. I really enjoy meeting and getting to know clients - existing and prospective - hearing about their needs and experiencing new markets. I also love traveling, and I’m lucky that my role involves visiting great places in order to grow the business. 

"Something I encountered at Sotheby’s and have tried to bring with me is white glove client service with a personal touch; whether it’s sending a hand-written thank you note or a thoughtfully-chosen gift. Many of our clients provide exceptional service to their own clients, as well as exceptional events and experiences, so I try to impart that myself."

"Louisa brings her accomplished client services experience from the best of the Art world to enable the zkipster clientele in the Middle East and Asia. We are extremely lucky to have her on the team!"

OLIVIA ROBINSON | CRO | ZKIPSTER

What’s the best thing about working at zkipster?

"zkipster has a fantastic product but for me the team is even better. We’re a group of fairly like-minded people with strong connections, despite being spread all over the world. It’s like having friends you don’t necessarily talk to daily, but when you see them it’s like you spoke yesterday. We all wear a lot of hats and are supportive of one another, and able to step in and help as needed.

"Despite being quite far removed from some of the other time zones zkipster operates in, my colleagues are always thinking of me and including me - making sure calls are recorded so I can listen back and weigh in, for example."

What are the most memorable events you’ve been part of, whether for work or in your personal life?

"Looking back at my time at Sotheby’s, there are so many to choose from, but I think the (RED) auctions were the most memorable. The first was curated by Bono and Damien Hirst, and the second by Bono and iconic designers Marc Newsome and Sir Jony Ive (Apple). The unique lots raised $42m for the (RED) AIDS charity in the first auction and $26m in the second, where guests were also treated to an impromptu performance by Bono and Coldplay’s Chris Martin! They were incredible events and I still have the auction catalogs to remind me."

In honor of International Women’s Day, tell us about women who have inspired you.

"I have a dear friend who is Australian but lives in New York, and is a huge inspiration to me. She seems to have found a balance between family, work and health, and juggles it all in such an elegant way. She’s very successful and loves her work as a doctor, has a beautiful family and a great lifestyle, which she has worked incredibly hard for.

"I also have a group of friends I met through my favorite spin studio in Sydney. We’re all different ages but we have shared values, humor and unwavering support for one another, and inspire each other in an honest, realistic way to be the best versions of ourselves.  But in all honesty, any woman who appears to be winning at life inspires me, as I know how hard the constant juggling act is!

"When it comes to finding balance in my own life, personal time is extremely important, especially as I have three children! Traveling for work is alone time for me, and makes me appreciate family life even more when I return. Exercise is key - that synergy between physical and mental health - as are eating and sleeping well, though I don’t always manage the latter. Basically, I do the best I can!"