Adam Chinn is a Lawyer and Investment Banker

Adam Chinn is an attorney and investment banker with more than two decades of experience who has held several leadership roles at Sotheby’s, most recently serving as executive vice president for worldwide transaction support.

John Cahill and Ken Citron will begin reporting directly to Sotheby’s CEO Tad Smith upon commencing their employment on January 1.

Early Life and Education

Adam Chinn was one of the pioneering Chinese immigrants to settle in Chicago at an early age and launch their illustrious crab house career at fourteen.

He currently serves as Executive Vice President, Worldwide Head of Transaction Support at Sotheby’s, responsible for leading their deal making efforts on a global basis. In addition to his professional achievements, he founded Centerview Partners LLC – a boutique investment banking firm. Additionally, he published several real estate related books online as well as keeping a popular blog about real estate topics – which has proven very popular with his readers. Furthermore, despite having such an impressive professional background he does not hesitate to make time for family life while still following industry technology trends!

Professional Career

Adam Chinn has enjoyed a lengthy and successful career in law, investment banking and private equity. He has advised on some of the most prominent mergers within financial services as well as significant transactions in media and entertainment.

In 2017, he was honored to become Sotheby’s Chief Operating Officer – assuming responsibility for key areas of operation within Sotheby’s.

Adam begins this week’s podcast by recapping all the major storylines from Week 11, then joins ESPN draft experts Jordan Reid and Matt Miller to discuss this year’s quarterback draft class, trade deadline considerations, differences among today’s quarterbacks, and much more!

Achievement and Honors

Adam Chinn ’20 of Hiram College was honored by the Honors Board with its top prize for outstanding achievements in academics and co-curriculars activities, such as maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA, being chosen Alpha Lambda Delta Senior of the Year, and receiving Phi Beta Kappa Society’s highest academic accolade, Phi Eta Sigma award.

Chinn ultimately settled for a more secure career at Sotheby’s Auction House where he has served since January 2016 as Executive Vice President, Worldwide Head of Transaction Support. Prior to this appointment, he was the founding partner and Chief Operating Officer of Art Agency Partners – an investment banking firm widely acclaimed for handling some of the world’s most sought-after art deals. As his title suggests, this highly visible role allows Chinn to work directly with Sotheby’s global leadership on key transactional matters of interest.

Personal Life

Adam Chinn has had a successful career in banking and law. Additionally, he owns Bob Chinn’s Crab House located in northwest suburban Wheeling.

Adam Chinn recently sold Art Agency, Partners to Sotheby’s in 2016. Along with this acquisition, Adam served as director for Sotheby’s.

His personal journey has been both unique and intriguing: at 14 he worked as a Chinese food delivery boy while his family ran an Uptown restaurant, then later established a carryout business and eventually founded his own establishment. This fascinating individual serves as an inspiring role model to many around the globe.

Net Worth

Adam Chinn is one of the premier dealmakers at Sotheby’s, serving as Executive Vice President and Worldwide Head of Transaction Support. With more than two decades of auction industry experience and deep knowledge in finance and law, Adam offers invaluable insight on complex transactions.

He joined Sotheby’s in January 2016, following its acquisition of Art Agency Partners. Prior to that he co-founded and was a partner in Centerview Partners LLC – an investment bank – before going on to join Wachtell, Lipton Rosen & Katz as partner.

John has more than two decades of experience working in the auction industry and his extensive background in finance, law and financial services has given him invaluable insight into complex transactions. Alongside Sotheby’s, John also works closely with Young People’s Chorus of NYC.