Sotheby's announced advancements in data capabilities and strategy, including the acquisition of Thread Genius. Thread Genius was founded by two software and machine learning engineers – Andrew Shum and Ahmad Qamar – both of whom will be joining Sotheby's this week. The acquisition of Thread Genius is a continuation of Sotheby's focus on data and technology to drive innovation and improve both internal processes and client service and experience. Andrew and Ahmad, together with Richard Vibert, a data scientist recently appointed Head of Data & Analytics Strategy, report to Jennifer Deason, Executive Vice President, Head of Strategy & Corporate Development for Sotheby's. Richard Vibert joined Sotheby's from the Hong Kongventure capital firm Arbor Ventures, where he was an Associate specializing in investments in big data, machine learning, and blockchain. Jennifer Deason was appointed Executive Vice President, Head of Strategy & Corporate Development in August 2016. Before joining Sotheby's, she spent eight years at Bain Capital as an Executive Vice President, where she focused on media, consumer and digital.