While it’s natural for employees to leave jobs for new challenges, promotions, or simply a change in scenery, the traffic from auction house Smith & Singer in the past year seems to have been almost all one way – towards the exit. Smith & Singer has lost another senior art specialist with the departure of Sydney-based Brett Ballard, who joins Menzies in a couple of weeks to become head of art, a position left vacant by Justin Turner who left Menzies late last year.

“We are delighted to have Brett on board and we think he is going to be a great addition to the team,” said Menzies’ chief executive Coralie Stow, who was caught somewhat unawares by Saleroom’s call. She had been planning an official announcement, but the word was already out.