Sotheby’s CEO Tad Smith has made his first move on the job. He’s convinced Lauren Gioia, who had decided months ago to leave the company to lead communications at a rival firm, to take the role of Worldwide Head of Communications for Sotheby’s.

Gioia’s appointment should be seen as an interesting sign that Smith is trying create stability at the firm:

“For the past 16 years, Lauren has been a superb advocate for Sotheby’s,” said Tad Smith, Sotheby’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Her in-depth knowledge of the Company and the art market are invaluable and she will be a vital member of our senior team as Sotheby’s looks to the future.”