Hemant GulatiA Mumbai-based art connoisseur and luxury expert, Gaurav Bhatia, Sotheby’s India Ex MD, started his education at Cathedral and John Connon School at Mumbai. He then moved to the US and continued his studies at Middlebury College, Vermont. After passing out as a Bachelor of Arts, Gaurav Bhatia spent a decade in New York. He began his career as an adman at Young and Rubicam Advertising.
After achieving success in advertising, Gaurav Bhatia moved back to India to become Marketing Director of LVMH Moet Hennessy and subsequently Managing Director of Sotheby’s India. At Moet Hennessy he introduced the company’s fine wine and spirits portfolio to South Asia and “shared the magic of Champagne.” As Managing Director Sotheby’s India, Gaurav Bhatia lead the company for its first auction in India in November 2018. Bhatia headed the entire South Asian operation of Sotheby’s, the oldest auction house in the world. He has been responsible for opening up new markets, creating new categories, working on business development, and expanding customer base across South Asia and the United States.
Recently, Gaurav Bhatia launched ‘MAISON’, a luxury and lifestyle advisory cell. The firm is a young and audacious luxury, bridge-to-luxury and lifestyle advisory cell that shares the magic of brands with India. MAISON believes in a long-term vision that builds on the legacy of brands, encouraging creativity and business excellence.
MAISON will offer a number of services to the clients. These services include, marketing solutions, business development ideas, branding and rebranding solutions, communication and content creation, PR and digital strategy.
An opinion leader in the industry, Gaurav Bhatia has contributed across media from The New York Times, International Herald Tribune, CNN, Mint, Economic Times, Times of India, The Hindu, Forbes to Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and Architectural Digest. Taking strides in the luxury world, he has also been on India’s list of cultural evangelists and has been the city’s best ambassador, as per Time Out Mumbai. He has been able to create new milestones, setting new benchmarks to win the award for ‘Best Innovation in Customer Relationship’ in two consecutive years (2010, 2011) for being able to initiate a corporate selling & wedding program.
A passionate art collector, the 44-year-old has also been commemorated with multiple industry awards and accolades.
The auction house made its presence felt immediately with its debut through “Boundless: India” in Mumbai. Led by Gaurav Bhatia, Sotheby’s maiden sale featured 60 artworks, not only from South Asian artists, but also from Western artists inspired by India.
Here are a few inspirational quotes by Gaurav Bhatia:-
- True luxury is culture. It enriches your life.
- Zara or Sari? And you can have both. Just weigh in what ratio you want fast fashion to slow luxury. And know how far your rupee can go in saving a tradition, in recognizing and uplifting our indigenous textiles. It’s really in your hands.
- Luxury is a serious business. In times of slowdown, people may spend less, but true luxury brands always stand the test of time and cycles.
- Art is the ultimate luxury.
- Virtual collecting was my best orientation.
Gaurav Bhatia began his career in advertising with Young and Rubicam Advertising and from there his career took off as he became the Marketing Director of LVMH and later on Sotheby’s. His understanding of the luxury industry is not based on the materialistic philosophy and his focus on art and culture gives a holistic depth to the product.
Kamal Chauhan
Sotheby’s has appointed Gaurav Bhatia as the managing director of its Indian operations.
Sudha Sharma
Auction house Sotheby’s has appointed Gaurav Bhatia as the managing director of its Indian operations.
Sunakshi
Gaurav Bhatia has Two decades in Luxury and Lifestyle in leadership roles at LVMH and Sotheby’s in Mumbai, India. Management & Marketing expertise.
Swati Singh
Gaurav began his career as an ad man spending a decade on Madison Avenue and now heads the South Asia operation of Sotheby’s, the oldest, most prestigious auction house in the world.
Kiran
Gaurav Bhatia is a Mumbai-based art connoisseur who had served as the Managing Director of Sothebys India, with 20 dedicated years in Luxury and Lifestyle.