Corporate art collections have evolved from prestige-driven acquisitions into strategic cultural assets. Historically shaped by corporate leaders seeking to express identity and patronage, they are now often managed through structured programmes led by professional curators. In this conference discussion, Francesca Martinoli will examine the EFG Bank collection while Christy W. Coombs will provide a broader context, to explore how corporate collecting intersects with UHNW collectors and the wider art ecosystem. They will also discuss links with art fairs, museums, and prizes, and consider how corporate collections support cultural engagement, corporate social responsibility, workplace culture, and long-term business strategy.

Francesca Martinoli, born in Basel, is an art historian and curator. Since 2011 she has overseen the corporate art collection of EFG Bank, which includes more than 1,300 works spanning from Old Masters to avant-garde artists of the mid-20th century and contemporary art. At EFG, she has developed the strategy for managing and enhancing the collection’s value and visibility. Mrs Martinoli has extensive knowledge of the international art market and previously managed a gallery specialising in Italian Baroque paintings. Passionate about cultural communication, she regularly researches, writes, and organises public lectures on art and collecting.

Christy W. Coombs brings more than two decades of experience at Sotheby’s and nearly 16 years advising museums and corporations. In 2023, she became Head of the Museum and Corporate Art Group. With a background in Old Masters and strategic communications, she leads Sotheby’s relationships with museum and corporate collections, trustees, and private collectors, facilitating acquisitions, deaccessions, valuations, and cultivation events. She works closely with global corporate collections including JPMorgan Chase, UBS, Bank of America and has overseen watershed sales from corporate collections including a major Alexander Calder from the Neiman Marcus Group which soared to $18.2M in 2020 and orchestrated the important sale from an American Corporation, achieving the world record price for an Isamu Noguchi of $12.28M in 2023. Mrs Coombs holds a BA in English and Art History from the University of Virginia and serves on the board of the Fralin Museum of Art. Appointed an auctioneer in 2016, she has conducted numerous Sotheby’s sales and charity auctions, helping raise millions for nonprofit cultural institutions and organizations over the last decade.