Profiles Insights Contact Us

Isabelle von Ribbentrop

Art Collector • Art Consultant • Philanthropist

London, UK

Isabelle von Ribbentrop

Vladimir Vishnevskiy

Quonota Investments Ltd.

David von Rosen

Isabelle von Ribbentrop’s Biography

Isabelle von Ribbentrop is Creative Advisor to the Prix Pictet and has played a pivotal role in shaping the evolution of this prestigious photography prize. Since its inception in 2008, the Prix Pictet has become the world’s leading photography award, highlighting the environmental challenges facing the planet.

Bella is also the co-founder of Upon Request, a boutique, bespoke art consultancy, where she leverages her experience in private banking, the art world and global events, and Bella Unltd, a communications and PR consultancy.

Previously, Bella served as Global Head of Branding, Advertising & Sponsoring at the Pictet Group, a leading investment firm headquartered in Geneva. She also served as Pictet’s Head of Communications in London, where she is based. Bella's responsibilities included developing and implementing the group’s branding and corporate identity, advertising, event management, film and photography, social media and podcasts, and overseeing Pictet’s strategic philanthropy. Her innovative and creative approach elevated the company's profile and helped establish Pictet... Isabelle von Ribbentrop is Creative Advisor to the Prix Pictet and has played a pivotal role in shaping the evolution of this prestigious photography prize. Since its inception in 2008, the Prix Pictet has become the world’s leading photography award, highlighting the environmental challenges facing the planet.

Bella is also the co-founder of Upon Request, a boutique, bespoke art consultancy, where she leverages her experience in private banking, the art world and global events, and Bella Unltd, a communications and PR consultancy.

Previously, Bella served as Global Head of Branding, Advertising & Sponsoring at the Pictet Group, a leading investment firm headquartered in Geneva. She also served as Pictet’s Head of Communications in London, where she is based. Bella's responsibilities included developing and implementing the group’s branding and corporate identity, advertising, event management, film and photography, social media and podcasts, and overseeing Pictet’s strategic philanthropy. Her innovative and creative approach elevated the company's profile and helped establish Pictet Group as a patron of the arts and a supporter of cultural initiatives worldwide.

In addition to her corporate achievements, Bella is a committed philanthropist. Together with her father and brother, she founded the Elisabeth von Senden Foundation which seeks to provide psychological support for cancer patients and is named after Bella's late mother. Bella is also a member of King’s College London’s fundraising Campaign Board, a Board Member of the V&A’s Photograph Acquisition Group, a Trustee of The Contemporary Art Society, and sits on The National Gallery's Development Board.

Isabelle von Ribbentrop is a passionate art collector, with a particular focus on contemporary photography. Her impressive collection champions thoughtful, boundary-pushing artists such as Jenny Holzer, Alicja Kwade and Wolfgang Tillmans. READ MORE VIEW LESS

Isabelle von Ribbentrop’s Newsfeed

Forbes

A tale of two tents: London Frieze

Read more

Photo Vogue

Introducing Prix Pictet: In conversation with Isabelle von Ribbentrop

Read more

View News Archive

Isabelle von Ribbentrop’s Background

Upon Request

Co-Founder

Apr 2025 - Present

London, UK

Upon Request is a boutique, bespoke art consultancy co-founded by Isabelle von Ribbentrop. With over 20 years of experience in private banking, art valuation, art publications, private and public collections, and global events, the company provides tailored support for corporate, public, and private clients worldwide

Prix Pictet

Creative Advisor

Apr 2025 - Present

London, UK

The Prix Pictet is a prestigious photography prize established by the Pictet Group in 2008. Since then it has become one of the world’s most important arts prizes focused on environmental issues. Each cycle of the award has highlighted a different facet of sustainability.

Bella Unltd

Co-Founder

Apr 2025 - Present

London, UK

Bella Unltd is a communications and PR consultancy.

Pictet Group

Global Head of Branding, Advertising & Sponsoring

Jun 2020 - Apr 2025

London, UK

Pictet Group is a globally renowned Swiss private bank and investment firm, recognised for its heritage of financial expertise, wealth management, and commitment to sustainable investments.

Prix Pictet

Executive Director

May 2008 - Apr 2025

London, UK

Pictet Group

Head of Corporate Communications, London

May 2012 - Apr 2025

London, UK

IvR Consulting

Independent Consultant

Dec 2001 - Apr 2012

Frankfurt, DE

Bella von Ribbentrop worked as an independent consultant based in Frankfurt for ten years.

View all Hide

Isabelle von Ribbentrop’s Gallery

Isabelle von Ribbentrop on stage announcing the new theme for Prix Pictet, Storm.

Bella von Ribbentrop at a cocktail party with Bill Ewing and the Director of the Recontres of Arles.

Bella von Ribbentrop on stage announcing the Prix Pictet theme 'Storm'

Isabelle Von Ribbentrop at Prix Pictet 'Hope' event in London

Bella von Ribbentrop at Fire Award Cerempony

Gauri Gill winning the Prix Pictet 'Human' Award with Isabelle von Ribbentrop in the background.

V&A frontage for Prix Pictet 'Human' Award in September 2023

Bella von Ribbentrop at the Prix Pictet Award ceremony September 2023

Isabelle von Ribbentrop presenting at the Prix Pictet September 2023

Isabelle von Ribbentrop embracing winner of the Prix Pictet, Gauri Gill

Isabelle von Ribbentrop at an event in Arles, France

Isabelle von Ribbentrop announces Prix Pictet shortlist for Human in Arles, France

Isabelle von Ribbentrop talking to Prix Pictet shortlisters, Photo London

Isabelle Von Ribbentrop announcing shorlist for Prix Pictet Human in Arles, France

Isabelle Von Ribbentrop at the Fire award ceremony

Isabelle Von Ribbentrop at The Serpentine Gallery.

Isabelle Von Ribbentrop at Prix Pictet talk event, Photo London

Bella von Ribbentrop at London event Prix Pictet Hope

Bella von Ribbentrop at Fire Award ceremony

Bella von Ribbentrop at a talk, Photo London

Isabelle von Ribbentrop Fire talk at Photo London, shortlisters

Isabelle von Ribbentrop on stage announcing the new theme for Prix Pictet, Storm.

Bella von Ribbentrop at a cocktail party with Bill Ewing and the Director of the Recontres of Arles.

Bella von Ribbentrop on stage announcing the Prix Pictet theme 'Storm'

Isabelle Von Ribbentrop at Prix Pictet 'Hope' event in London

Bella von Ribbentrop at Fire Award Cerempony

Gauri Gill winning the Prix Pictet 'Human' Award with Isabelle von Ribbentrop in the background.

V&A frontage for Prix Pictet 'Human' Award in September 2023

Bella von Ribbentrop at the Prix Pictet Award ceremony September 2023

Isabelle von Ribbentrop presenting at the Prix Pictet September 2023

Isabelle von Ribbentrop embracing winner of the Prix Pictet, Gauri Gill

Isabelle von Ribbentrop at an event in Arles, France

Isabelle von Ribbentrop announces Prix Pictet shortlist for Human in Arles, France

Isabelle von Ribbentrop talking to Prix Pictet shortlisters, Photo London

Isabelle Von Ribbentrop announcing shorlist for Prix Pictet Human in Arles, France

Isabelle Von Ribbentrop at the Fire award ceremony

Isabelle Von Ribbentrop at The Serpentine Gallery.

Isabelle Von Ribbentrop at Prix Pictet talk event, Photo London

Bella von Ribbentrop at London event Prix Pictet Hope

Bella von Ribbentrop at Fire Award ceremony

Bella von Ribbentrop at a talk, Photo London

Isabelle von Ribbentrop Fire talk at Photo London, shortlisters

Other Business Interests

The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences

Executive Judge for The Anthem Awards

New York, NY, USA

Established in 1998, The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS) celebrates the best in websites, videos, advertising, mobile apps, and social media through its annual awards, judged by industry leaders and creative celebrities.

Young Artists Photography Competition

Judge

London, UK

The Young Artists Photography Competition was founded by BAFTA and multi-award winning artist Alison Jackson. It's a community-focused photography competition open to anyone interested in photography, regardless of their skill level or age. Participants can use a phone or camera to capture a photo of Chelsea, no matter where they live, work, or study.

View all Hide

Current Advisory Roles

Photo London

Member of Advisory Board

Dec 2014 - Present

London, UK

Photo London is an annual photography fair held at Somerset House in May. It showcases works from leading galleries and emerging artists, featuring curated exhibitions, talks, and awards, making it a key event in the photography calendar.

Philanthropy

The Contemporary Art Society

Trustee

Oct 2024 - Present

London, UK

The Contemporary Art Society, founded in 1910, champions contemporary art and craft for UK public collections. It supports artists, curators, and collectors through acquisitions, exhibitions, and educational programs, enriching cultural heritage nationwide.

The National Gallery

Development Board Member

Jun 2023 - Present

London, UK

Isabelle sits on the Development Board of The National Gallery, an art museum in Trafalgar Square in London that houses a collection of over 2,300 paintings.

Victoria & Albert Museum

Board Member | Photographs Acquisition Group

Dec 2022 - Present

London, UK

Members of the V&A's Photographs Acquisition Group contribute to a fund used to buy photos for the museum's collection.

King's College London

Member of Fundraising Campaign Board

Jun 2020 - Present

London, UK

The Campaign Board plays a crucial role in overseeing and scrutinising King’s College London’s fundraising campaigns. Its focus is on supporting King's College London and its partner hospitals by identifying key fundraising priorities and providing valuable advice to King's leadership on campaign planning and delivery.

Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity

Committee Member

Sep 2018 - Jun 2023

London, UK

Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity supports one of the world's leading paediatric hospitals, Great Ormond Street Hospital, by raising funds for cutting-edge research, advanced medical equipment, and exceptional patient care.

The Elisabeth von Senden Foundation

Founder, Fundraiser & Board member

Aug 1997 - Present

Munich, DE

The Elisabeth von Senden foundation aims to support cancer patients psychologically, as well as provide training and education for nurses by funding seminars and other initiatives. It was set up by Isabelle von Ribbentrop and her family following the long illness of Elisabeth Baroness von Senden, Isabelle's mother.

View all Hide

Media

The Bigger Picture Podcast: Special guest Isabelle von Ribbentrop

Podcast

Oct 2023

London, UK

In this podcast Iabelle von Ribbentrop talks about how Prix Pictet evolved into the world’s leading photography prize highlighting the environmental challenges facing the planet.

Found in Conversation: Confidence in Full Bloom with Viv Groskop

Podcast

Jul 2023

London, UK

In this episode of Pictet’s ‘Found In Conversation’ podcast series, Isabelle von Ribbentrop meets Viv Groskop. In this conversation, Viv shares tips on being confident while staying true to yourself.

View all Hide

Interviews

Interview with Life Magazine (China)

Interviewee

Jan 2025

Isabelle is interviewed by Life Magazine, a monthly lifestyle publication published by one of China's leading media companies.

Photography with a focus on sustainability

Interviewee

Nov 2024

Bella discusses the aims of the Prix Pictet with German magazine Purpose, and how she never imagined it would develop as it has.

Monocle on Culture: Summer Art Special

Interviewee

Jul 2024

In this episode of Monocle on Culture, Lucrezia Motta talks to Bella von Ribbentrop about the new Prix Pictet theme, 'Storm' (11.11). Bella explains the thinking behind the latest theme, highlighting the positive aspects that result from a storm, such as resilience, regeneration and renewal.

Radio Interview with Isabelle von Ribbentrop at Guardian Radio in The Bahamas

Interviewee

Nov 2023

Nassau, BS

Appearing as a guest on Morning Blend, the morning news and talk radio show on Guardian Radio, Bella talks about the origins of Prix Pictet and its journey to The Bahamas.

The Wick: Interview with Isabelle von Ribbentrop

Featured

Jul 2022

Isabelle von Ribbentrop is the subject of The Wick's 'Monday Muse' feature in which she describes her typical Monday.

SHECAN: Interview with Isabelle von Ribbentrop

Video interview

Mar 2022

London, UK

Isabelle discusses what motivates her, her plans for the future and reveals her top tips for other women.

Leading Culture Destinations: Interview with Isabelle von Ribbentrop

In this interview Isabelle von Ribbentrop talks to Leading Culture Destinations about her cultural aspirations and what inspires her.

View all Hide

Features

Monocle | Three leading photography collectors

Article

Dec 2024

Isabelle features in this article on collectors of photography.

Bazaar Art China: Prix Pictet

Jan 2024

View all Hide

Publications

Storm

Contributor

Sep 2025

This book reflects on 'Storm' as the defining condition of our era, an age marked by environmental fragility, social fracture, and the constant sense that upheaval is close at hand, while suggesting that rising currents of dissent may drive transformative change. Showcasing powerful works from the Prix Pictet photography award, it presents striking images that illuminate the turbulence of our world and the urgent sustainability challenges we face.

Human.Kind.

Contributor

Jul 2024

The Prix Pictet partnered with the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum in this publication, showing a different side to humanitarian photography.

Human

Contributor

Nov 2023

London, UK

This book pairs a reflective meditation on humanity’s troubled relationship with progress with more than 100 powerful contemporary photographs that explore conflict, resilience, and the possibility of a more hopeful future. It presents Prix Pictet: Human as a visual and philosophical examination of our past, present, and the stakes of what comes next for the human story.

Collage: Women of the Prix Pictet Since 2008

Contributor

Dec 2022

London, UK

As well as the global exhibition that accompanies each cycle of the Prix Pictet, a high-quality book is produced. The Prix Pictet's 2022 publication features female photographers and how they are addressing sustainability issues and gender inequality in their work.

Fire

Contributor

Jan 2022

London, UK

Following the exhibition and awards, Prix Pictet showcases the photographs in this publication, a must-see for those with an interest in sustainability, climate change, and biodiversity.

Confinement

Contributor

Apr 2021

London, UK

This publication features the work of 43 photographers during the Covid-19 pandemic. Historian Peter Frankopan and novelist Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi also contributed to the publication.

View all Hide

Awards & Recognition

The Lovie Awards

Double Winner

Dec 2024

The #PrixPictet Apple Vision Pro app has won two Lovie Awards for Best XR and Immersive Experience.

The Lovie Awards

Double Winner

Nov 2023

The Prix Pictet website received the coveted People's Lovie and Silver Lovie in Website and Mobile Site Craft-Best Responsive Adaptive Design. The Lovies recognise outstanding achievements in the European Internet community in culture, technology and business categories.

Training & Management Courses

Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management

Accelerated Marketing Leadership Program

Mar 2022

INSEAD Business School

Strategy & Research Program

Jun 2020

London, UK

View all Hide

Press Releases

Gauri Gill wins tenth Prix Pictet, World’s leading photography and sustainability award

Sep 2023

London, UK

Prix Pictet, the world's leading photography prize in sustainability, announces shortlist for 10th cycle

Jul 2023

London, UK

Isabelle von Ribbentrop’s Education

King's College London

MA, Imperial and Commonwealth History

1999 - 2000

Humboldt University of Berlin

BA Hons, History, Politics and Philosophy

1995 - 1999