Bastion Amplify launches in NZ; Joanna James to lead
Industry update

Bastion Amplify launches in NZ; Joanna James to lead

Nine months after being majority acquired by Bastion, New Zealand agency, Bastion Shine has redesigned its business model in line with the Bastion philosophy of "Think Wide", and now offers four speciality units:

Bastion Amplify is the company's new integrated communications agency specialising in PR, media relations, influencer marketing, content and social media. Led by new hire, Joanna James (pictured, far right), a senior consultant with nearly 20 years of agency and in-house communications experience, the new Auckland office joins those in Melbourne, Sydney and Los Angeles.

Joanna said she is looking forward to bringing Amplify’s communications offering to Aotearoa New Zealand: “I’m a huge believer that an integrated approach for brands in a world where disciplines are increasingly converging is the right model to produce the most effective work for clients. This new model for Bastion Shine, combined with its hallmark smarts and creativity, are what drew me to the role.

“We also have the benefit of drawing on an extended whānau via Bastion Amplify Australia and US to deliver services such as "follow the sun" social media community management and content creation."

The other new units include:
  • Bastion Creative - led by new Managing Director, Toby Sellers, who has joined the group after more than a decade with FCB
  • Bastion Digital - led by Managing Director, Andy Schick, formerly Bastion Shine's Chief Digital Officer
  • Bastion Transform - led by General Manager, Andy McLeish, who is also Bastion Shine's Chief Strategy Officer

The consultancies will operate under the leadership of Bastion Shine CEO, Simon Curran, who said the company's ambition is to build a new model in New Zealand: "Toby and Jo both have proven expertise in their disciplines, plus the ability to stretch thinking for our clients across marketing communications disciplines and channels. I’m excited about our expanded leadership team continuing to enable meaningful growth for our clients.

“This is just the start. We believe we can change the shape of our industry in New Zealand, building a place where our clients can access wide thinking combined with deep expertise.”

The Bastion Shine leadership team also includes Chief Creative Officer, Rich Maddocks, General Manager, Annabelle Pitkin, and Chief Financial Officer, Melissa Hill.
 

More stories


Telum Media

Database

Get in touch to hear more

Request demo

Telum Media

Alerts

Regular email alerts featuring the latest news and moves from the media industry across Asia Pacific Enjoy exclusive daily interviews with senior journalists and PRs as well as in-house editorial and features from the Telum team

Subscribe for alerts