A longtime top lawyer at Christie's is making a move to Phillips, a rival auction house.

New York and London-based Phillips announced Tuesday the appointment of Martin Wilson as chief general counsel. Jonathan Illari, GC, Americas, will continue overseeing Phillips' legal functions in North America, reporting to Wilson, who will be based in London.

Wilson spent 20 years at Christie's, most recently as global managing director and general counsel to the president's office. Prior to that role, he was co-head of the legal and compliance department, leading Christie's global team of art lawyers.

Martin Wilson. Courtesy photo.

He was based in Christie's London office, according to his LinkedIn profile. Prior to going in-house at Christie's, Wilson was a solicitor at two London-based firms for about 10 years.

In 2014, he was instrumental in Christie's efforts to return to Cambodia a 10th century statue that was looted from a Khmer temple.

In his new role, Wilson will lead Phillips' global legal and compliance functions and also “play an active role in Phillips' top client business development and deal-making activities,” the company said in announcing Wilson's new position.

In an emailed statement, Wilson said he is “delighted” to join Phillips at an exciting time of growth.

“There is great momentum at Phillips as the company reaches new heights and continues to gain market share in the areas of 20th century and contemporary art, design, photographs and watches,” he said. “I look forward to helping the company reach the next level of growth.”

Phillips is a global platform for buying and selling 20th and 21st century art and design. In addition to New York and London, it has locations in Hong Kong; Geneva; Antwerp, Belgium; Moscow; Paris; Seoul; Taipei, Taiwan; and Tokyo, according to its website. The company also offers an online auction platform accessible anywhere in the world.