Butterfields Auction House Gets New Name, New Wine Director

Frank Martell, formerly of Acker Merrall & Condit, replaces veteran Bruce Kaiser at what is now Bonhams & Butterfield.

Peter D. Meltzer
Posted: February 28, 2003

Bonhams & Butterfield auction house has named Frank Martell as the new director of its fine-wine department. He replaces veteran director Bruce Kaiser, who left the firm for health reasons in 2002 after 15 years of service.

Bonhams, the privately owned British fine-art auction house, acquired Butterfields in August 2002. In January, the directors announced that Butterfields would henceforth do business under the name of Bonhams & Butterfields.

Martell comes to Bonhams & Butterfields from Acker Merrall & Condit, the New York—based auction house. He will be based in Los Angeles and will also oversee all San Francisco operations. Martell's experience in the industry includes business development, marketing and coordination of live auctions and online wine sales.

Bonhams & Butterfields' next wine auction is scheduled for March 15.