Andrew Fabricant, who was the chief operating officer at Gagosian for the past five years, has left the gallery along with his wife, Laura Paulson, who led the gallery’s art advisory business since 2019. The news was reported by Bloomberg’s James Tarmy and confirmed by Larry Gagosian. In a statement to Artnet News, Gagosian mentioned that it was time for them to part ways and expressed gratitude for their contributions.
Fabricant, who had been at the gallery for a total of 15 years, had rumors circulating about his potential to take on a larger role within the company. He first joined Gagosian during its early days in Los Angeles in 1983 and returned in 2019 after a successful tenure at Richard Gray Gallery. With his expertise in blue-chip art, Fabricant made a name for himself in the art market.
Gagosian emphasized the strength of the gallery’s leadership team and operational structure despite the departures. The addition of Brooke Lampley as a director, who previously held a prominent position at Sotheby’s, reflects the gallery’s commitment to excellence. Lampley is set to join Gagosian later this year.
In light of the changes, Gagosian’s advisory services will continue under new leadership. The advisory business will be divided into appraisals and transactions, with Bernie Lagrange leading the latter. Lagrange, along with Michael Walker and Sophia Penske, will steer the advisory business forward.
The departure of Fabricant and Paulson marks a significant transition for Gagosian as the gallery navigates succession plans and strategic changes. Despite these developments, Gagosian remains confident in its ability to uphold its reputation as a leading force in the art world. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed about the latest developments and insights shaping the art industry.