The company said that the promotion of the international head of design reflects the growth of the department under his leadership and “its increasing importance to our global growth strategy”.
CEO of Phillips Ed Dolman said: “As a deputy chairman, Alex will spend more time with collectors in all parts of the world to build on Phillips’ strategy of engaging with clients across the world so we can continue to grow and expand our market share in this important segment.”
Payne joined Phillips in 1999, helping to set up the design department and launching sales of avant-garde design.
Among the notable lots sold under his stewardship was Lockheed Lounge by Marc Newson that fetched at £2.1m, setting a record for a piece by a living designer in 2015.
