The appointments come ahead of a number of auction sales in Hong Kong: The Sze Yuan Tang Collection of Chinese Jades (5 April), Fine and Rare Wine, Cognac and Whiskey (20 May), Prints, Photographs and Works on Paper (22 May), Fine Chinese Paintings (29 May) and Modern and Contemporary Art (11 June.)

Wilkinson, who is currently serving as the director of South Asian, Indian and Himalayan art based in the US, will take over his new role on 1 June. Dudek begins her new position immediately, Bonhams said in a statement yesterday. Dudek previously served as vice president and international senior specialist in Asian 20^th century and contemporary art at Christie’s from 2006-2015. Dudek has strong connections with the contemporary Asian art community.

In 2011, Wilkinson established Bonham’s Indian and Himalayan Southeast Asian Art department. He has more than 30 years of auctioneering experience. Previously, he ran a private art advisory business and headed the Indian and Southeast Asian department for Sotheby’s. He will continue to serve as head of Indian, Himalayan and Southeast Asian art for Bonhams while also serving as executive director in Asia.

The auction market acts to some extent as a barometer of the state of wealth because fine art, classic cars, jewels, watches and fine wine have been boosted by the rise of an affluent middle class in Asia, and other regions. The collectibles market is also sometimes regarded as a hedge against inflation and adverse economic events, although its role as a diversifier has been debated because it is typically less liquid than mainstream financial markets such as equities.