Sara Mao is an accomplished auctioneer, Chinese paintings specialist, and Art & Luxury educator with over 16 years of experience in the art and auction industry.
Joining Christie’s in 2008 as a trainee, she rose to Vice President and Specialist Head of Sale for Chinese Modern Paintings, securing record-breaking auctions of such as Fu Baoshi’s The Song of the Pipa Player (HKD 204.8M). In 2018, she became Director of Christie’s Education, overseeing program development across Asia with a focus on Art Business, the Luxury Market, and Women Artists. She curated Christie’s Art + Tech Summits in 2019 and 2024, the Christie’s Education Academic Conference on the Chinese Art Market, and the Christie’s Art & Sustainability Summit in 2024. Since 2024, she has also served as Head of Strategic Growth Initiatives, driving new business and regional partnerships.
A dedicated philanthropist, Sara conducts charity auctions for organizations including Save the Children, UNICEF, and the Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation. She also serves as a board member of the Sovereign Art Foundation in Hong Kong, supporting art therapy for children with special educational needs in vulnerable communities.
Sara holds a Master of Letters in Art History from Christie’s Education, London, a Postgraduate Diploma in Law from BPP, and a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and English Literature from the University of York.