Until now, it would seem. When it was announced that Charles Leski Auctions was moving to 926-930 High Street, Armadale - until last year the home of Sotheby’s Australia - it became clear that bigger moves were afoot.
Newly appointed CEO of the company, Cameron Reyntjes, explains. “Some time ago, Leski decided to expand the company and brand. That means we want to get better at what we’re doing, and expand into other areas.” When asked which sectors they are looking at, Reyntjes is coy. “I’m sorry, I can’t be specific at this point. But let me say that growth is our major plan. We would like to be much bigger than we are.”
Reyntjes comes from a background in IT and software technology, and has a wealth of experience in brand management and marketing. He has no hands-on experience in the auction world, but neither he nor Leski’s proprietors identify that as a stumbling block. Rather, they see it as an advantage. “The talk around town is that the auction business is changing,” says Reyntjes. “The challenges for the industry lie online and how an auction house can add value in that context. I bring a fresh approach to these challenges, and I have the know-how we need to build the Leski brand.”
Reyntjes sees the move to Sotheby’s old stamping grounds as a way to launch Leski’s new profile. “We’ll be able to work on our brand through the street frontage. People recognise that building as an auction destination.”
No matter the outcome, it is sure to be a comfort to many auction-room stalwarts to know that the gavel hasn’t fallen for the last time in the landmark High Street building.
