Tony Karman, long-time director of Chicago Expo president, will resign from the end of June, the fair announced in an email. Karman will hold the title of president, in consulting positions, while searching for new directors.
In its email, dial to “friends and supporters” and review ArtnewsThe Chicago Expo described Carman’s tenure as “14 years are the driving force behind the expo.”
In a statement included in the email, Karman said, “When I founded EXPO CHICAGO in 2011, our ambition was to renew Chicago’s stored tradition as a preminent art fair destination—to innovative, to establish enduring programming and partnerships that would benefit the local, regional, and global communities of galleries, collectors, curators, and institutions, and to consistently support our exhibitors and the artists they represent. I remain deeply proud of all that we have achieved, and the unique honor of working with an extraordinary individual, each of whom has made a meaningful contribution to this legacy.”
This leadership transition is the first major development that has affected the Chicago Expo since the acquisition, and the Armory Show in New York in July 2023. At the time of sale, Frieze said that both fairs will maintain their current teams, and Karman was at the helms of Expo Chicago and Nicole Berry, who attended the Armory show. Berry left the latter fair in March 2024 to serve as a development role at the Hammer Museum in Los Angeles. Kyla McMillan was appointed as the successor to July at the time.
Frieze itself has also undergone ownership changes, having been sold earlier this month to a new company founded by Ari Emanuel, which was originally acquired by Frieze when he was CEO through Endeavor Group Holdings. The company is now fully owned by private equity firm Silver Lake, which has been exploring the sale of Frieze since last year. Emanuel reportedly bought jewelry worth about $200 million.
Karman launched the Expo Chicago in 2012, the successor to Chicago Art Chicago, a company that was once considered the top art fair in the United States from 1980 to 2011. The latest version of the Chicago Expo is a sales of its 170 exhibitors and has attracted more than 35,000 visitors to run last month.
“I want to thank Tony for his dedication, professionalism and energy at the Chicago Expo. I am glad that the next chapter will ensure a seamless transition in leadership while maintaining Tony’s relentless enthusiasm, motivation and support the city of Chicago and Chicago.”
“When I play a new consulting role at the Chicago Expo,” Karman’s statement continued, “I want to acknowledge Frieze’s deep commitment to Frieze’s broader cultural landscape. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to continue supporting the team as it shapes the future of the Expo.”
