An industry leader, Stephen Ranger is Canada’s most sought-after and experienced auctioneer. Specializing in fine wine and contemporary and modern art, Stephen is Vice President of Business Development, and a partner in Canada’s oldest auction house, Waddington’s. He has held senior positions in major national auction houses specializing in fine and decorative arts since 1995.
In 2002, Stephen was instrumental in creating a partnership with Sotheby’s Canada for the sale of Important Canadian Art, realizing sales over $100 million. In 2011, he and Waddington’s launched Concrete Contemporary Auctions and Projects, creating the first dedicated sales for the secondary market of important Canadian contemporary art.
In 2002 Stephen also championed the establishment of the first commercial wine auctions in Canada, in partnership with the Liquor Board of Ontario (LCBO). To date, he has conducted sales totaling in excess of $20 million dollars. Waddington’s remains the only company authorized to conduct auctions of fine wines and spirits in Ontario.
Social good is an important part of Stephen’s business philosophy. Each year, he lends his expertise and auction services to over twenty-five non-profit and philanthropic organizations in Canada, raising over $2 million annually in fundraising events.
Stephen is sought out regularly by the media for commentary, and has lectured at The Royal Ontario Museum, The University of Toronto, Sotheby’s Institue of Art, London and numerous museums and institutions throughout Canada. In addition to his duties as Vice President, at Waddington’s, Stephen maintains a select private consultancy, offering advisory and appraisal services to leading corporations, Individuals and institutions.