Kate Sierzputowski has officially stepped into the role of Director at Expo Chicago, succeeding longtime founder Tony Karman following the fair's acquisition by Frieze. As the fair prepares for its April 2025 edition at Navy Pier, Sierzputowski is overseeing a significant transition that includes a streamlined roster of 130 galleries and a more integrated branding presence from the Frieze parent company.
This leadership change marks a pivotal shift for the Midwest’s premier art fair as it fully integrates into the global Frieze network. While the removal of legacy programs like 'Special Exhibitions' has drawn local criticism, the new direction aims to professionalize the fair's identity and foster deeper institutional partnerships, such as a new collaboration with the Obama Presidential Center Museum.