Last year, Chabi Nouri was named Global CEO of the international auction house Bonhams. A veteran of two iconic watch and jewellery companies, Cartier and Piaget—the latter being her last CEO role—Nouri’s transition to the auctions industry is not as big a leap as it might at first appear. It is “closing a loop”, she says, as the secondary market is the inevitable end point for the finely crafted luxury items she used to be in charge of manufacturing. “You continue to preserve the creations, to preserve their value,” she explains. “In a way, I am staying in the same world. It’s a very natural move for me.”

The auctions market has, of late, been an exceptionally dynamic and fast-moving one, as it adapts to the burgeoning appetite and preferences of an increasingly younger base—the popularity and significance of online auctions being one of the most telling signs. But Bonhams has been around for 231 years and shows no signs of stopping—today, it counts 14 salesrooms around the globe. “I think the interesting point about Bonhams is that it’s one of the auctioneers in the international world, but at the same time, very local and regional,” Nouri says. “We also have more than 60 categories of departments. I think that’s a very interesting edge for Bonhams, because we are very close to local crafts and artistry. We have people engaging these communities. That is something I cherish.”

The Asian market remains of close importance to Bonhams, highlighted by its recent inauguration of a new three-storey, 19,000 sq ft headquarters (pictured above) for the region at Six Pacific Place in Hong Kong—the location Nouri was speaking from for this interview with Robb Report Malaysia. “We know that this region has a tremendous wealth of culture, heritage, and exceptional craftsmanship, Nouri says. “That’s why we’re showing our commitment to the region with the investment that we’re making here.”

View more of the interior of Bonham’s new headquarters

What is the most important lesson you have learned as a leader and a manager?

To listen to my team.

What’s the first thing you do in the morning?

I’m not going to tell you that I look at my phone, but… I do that, I’m sorry!

What’s the last thing you added to your collection?

A Patek Philippe [Golden] Ellipse, with a fantastic blue dial. I actually bought it at a Bonhams online auction.

Where is your favourite place to holiday?

Anywhere there’s a beach, the sea.

What does luxury mean to you?

Exclusivity and rarity. My luxury is time.

Where do you do your best work?

Location-wise, probably London. I love working in London because it’s very dynamic. And where I’m at my best is when I mix a challenging environment with creativity.

What does success look like to you?

Passing things onto other generations.

What’s the best piece of advice you have received?

It’s to continue to be very driven and hungry—to be hungry for new things.

If you could learn a new skill, what would it be?

To be a DJ.

When was the last time you completely unplugged?

I think I never unplug. Probably when I sleep?

What is always worth paying for?

Health.

What do you like to cook?

I would love to know how to cook!

Photography by Gary Morrissey