William F. Ruprecht (born 1956) was CEO of Sotheby's from 2000 to 2014, when he was succeeded by Tad Smith.
[6] Ruprecht was named CEO of Sotheby's in February 2000 and was elected chairman in 2012.
He had previously was Executive Vice President of Sotheby's and Managing Director of the company's North and South American divisions.
[7] Ruprecht stepped down in November, 2014 amid criticism from hedge-fund billionaire and activist investor Daniel Loeb.
[8] On 17 March 2015, it was announced that Tad Smith would succeed Ruprecht as CEO of Sotheby's.