In an email today EXPO CHICAGO announced that fair founder and Director Tony Karman will be stepping back. The full announcement is below.

This leadership change comes after EXPO CHICAGO was acquired by Frieze in 2023. Then at the beginning of this month after the April fair wrapped up, it was announced that a new company founded by Ari Emanuel would acquire Frieze.

It's hard to say just how much Tony has contributed to Chicago's art fair legacy and to the many organizations he has championed and supported in visible and invisible ways over the years, including CGN. We are grateful for his vision, his leadership and most of all, his optimism.

– Ginny Van Alyea, CGN Publisher

After 14 remarkable years as a driving force behind the fair, Tony Karman will step back from his role as Director of EXPO CHICAGO at the end of June. He will continue as President of the fair, serving in an advisory capacity to support the team. 

Frieze will now begin the search for a new Fair Director, with Tony providing continuity and counsel during this transition.  

Simon Fox, CEO of Frieze, said: “I want to thank Tony for his dedication, professionalism, and energy at EXPO CHICAGO. I am delighted that this next chapter will ensure a seamless transition of leadership whilst retaining Tony’s tireless enthusiasm, positivity, and support for both the fair and the City of Chicago.” 

Reflecting on his time with the fair, Tony said: “When I founded EXPO CHICAGO in 2011, our ambition was to renew Chicago’s storied tradition as a preeminent art fair destination — to innovate, 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 accomplished, and of the distinct honor it has been to work alongside an extraordinary group of individuals, each of whom contributed meaningfully to this legacy.  

As I move into a new advisory role with EXPO CHICAGO, I want to acknowledge the deep commitment Frieze has made to both the fair and to Chicago’s wider cultural landscape. I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to continue supporting the team as they shape the future of the fair.” 

Tony’s leadership has played a defining role in shaping EXPO CHICAGO, driven by his dedication, and we look forward to building on the strong foundation he has built.