Sources familiar with the matter are telling us that copywriter Grant Smith (pictured) and art director Rick Ardito are returning to BBDO New York, where they both spent over four years before splitting to launch their shop, Handsome Advertising. From what we hear, Smith and Ardito, whose working relationship dates back 12 years to their Cliff Freeman  & Partners days, will be joining BBDO’s AT&T creative team, which is currently led by ECD Greg Hahn. We’re still trying to get a concrete start date for the pair as well as their titles. We wager that it’s something in the CD realm. Sources add that Smith and Ardito are replacing Ralph Watson, who left BBDO for Goodby Detroit in September.

Update: Here’s a note that BBDO North America chairman/CCO David Lubars sent to staff today:

Goodby Silverstein & Partners has lured BBDO’s Ralph Watson to the Motor City to serve as ECD/associate partner, add to the Dte and share creative leadership on the agency’s Chevrolet account. During his time at BBDO, Watson served as ECD on the AT&T business (he was co-ECD on this spot from last year among others). Prior to BBDO, Watson spent three years as a CD at Saatchi & Saatchi New York on Miller Brewing, Wendy’s and General Mills. Says GS&P’s co-namesake Jeff Goodby in a statement, “With GM’s goal of making Chevrolet a global brand, we had an opportunity to bring in someone with incredible creative horsepower. It is all part of our plan to move more and more of the Chevrolet creative work to Detroit. We are delighted that Ralph can join us and offer his talents. He’s also a real mensch, and Detroit is a place that requires a lot of heart. Ralph’s got that.”