Nicholas Paul Couts

I have a 35 year career and a broad international experience at different levels in Europe and overseas in the art and collectible fields.I have developed my business acumen through professional training while being employed by international companies. My roles within organizations have included museum director, auctioneer, auction house expert, gallery manager, fine art photographer, fine art dealer, art and collectible advisor to a foreign government. These varied positions have given me a unique perspective and insight into the auction business and their niche markets and have equipped me with the tools to develop business.I apply creative thinking to the way I approach new business and develop new markets, suggest any changes to the existing business model after a calculated risk assessment. I look at practical measures to improve standards and quality and recommend their implementation. I am best described as a technology savvy individual who can adapt to new systems, develop and manage key systems and processes across core business. I am open-minded, dynamic, not resistant to change and can accept professional criticism positively. I prefer to develop a clear vision or concept as opposed to a see how things go mentality. I pursue goals and expect and set high standards. Character profile is based on engagement and discussion and not force of will and determination. I have complete belief in my potential and the task in hand that gives me the ability to empower myself and motivate the people around me. From 2003-2013 I was an advisor to two Qatar government ministries for art and collectible acquisitions for purchases totaling just under 1bn USD, later appointed director of an international cultural project team to oversee the management of acquisitions and deliver a concept for two museum projects to house them. A role that required huge resources of time and experience to navigate a continually evolving organization.