Stevenson replaces Rebecca Davies – who is returning to the contemporary art world – full-time from February 2018.
A media veteran, Stevenson spent more than 24 years at Tatler owner Condé Nast, including 15 years as publisher of the upmarket title.
Her role at Tatler involved sponsoring art and antiques events including the BADA and Olympia fairs, experience Stevenson says has given her insight into “the opportunities and challenges facing dealers in these changing times”.
Stevenson is also familiar with trade associations, as a former board member of the Fragrance Foundation.
LAPADA said Stevenson’s years of commercial dealings with global luxury brands would bring “a fresh perspective that will be invaluable to the marketing and promotion of LAPADA dealers”.
Working closely with LAPADA chairman Lord De Mauley, the new CEO inherits challenges such as Brexit and the threat of an ivory ban.
Stevenson told ATG her goals for 2018 would be “to help LA PADA members to sel l more, in particular by developi ng the LAPADA e-commerce site, guiding them through the Brexit process and supporting the lobbying effort on key issues”.
She pledged to “continue the success” of LAPADA’s annual fair in September.
See next week’s Newsmaker.
