Matt McCann takes over as CEO of Bastion EBA as Simon Garlick becomes chief executive of the Fremantle Dockers
Bastion Collective’s sponsorship and experiential marketing agency, Bastion EBA, has appointed Matt McCann as CEO.
McCann takes over from Simon Garlick, who returned to the board of AFL team, the Western Bulldogs, in June, and is now moving to Western Australia to be the chief executive of the Fremantle Dockers.
Matt McCann is the new CEO of Bastion EBA
McCann joined the agency in November last year as general manager. Previously, he was the global chief operating officer of The Projects. He has also worked at Telstra and Mindshare.
McCann’s leadership team will consist of head of commercial Brett Daniher, head of client service Tara Phelps, chief operating officer Stephanie Rose and, recent hire, Lizzie McManus as head of brand experience.
Bastion Collective CEO, Jack Watts, said that McCann’s professional experience would ensure a seamless transition for clients and staff.
“It is an absolute pleasure to announce Matt McCann as the new CEO of Bastion EBA. As a business, we pride ourselves on having an incredible depth of talent and promoting from within wherever possible,” Watts said.
“Matt is a fantastic example of this, having joined Bastion EBA 12 months ago as general manager with an outstanding background across senior leadership roles at Telstra and Mindshare. Matt will ensure a seamless transition for our clients and our staff and has a clear vision to grow Bastion EBA into the pre-eminent emotional marketing agency in the country.”
McCann said that he was proud to be taking over as CEO.
“Being part of the Bastion Collective journey is an inspiring one and I’m so proud to be taking over as CEO from Simon. The business has gone through an incredible journey during this time and with Simon’s help, we’ve built a really strong team across Sydney and Melbourne. As a business, we now offer our clients greater strategic thinking in partnership with a brilliant focus on making a true customer impact. I think you will see a new style of EBA in the coming months with a number of great experiences coming to life,” he said.
Watts also thanked Garlick for his efforts in growing the agency.
“Simon leaves having overseen an unparalleled period of growth in Bastion EBA and, most importantly, he leaves as a great personal friend. We wish Simon and his family all the best as they head west,” he commented.
Garlick has left to become the chief executive of the Fremantle Dockers
Garlick said: “I leave Bastion EBA with complete and utter confidence in the strength and capability of the senior leadership. I am incredibly grateful and proud of the four years I have had working with an incredibly dynamic and passionate group of people.
“We have seen the Bastion EBA business evolve over the years to provide our clients and partners with an incredible level of work and outcomes across brand and sponsorship strategy along with best-in-class experiential and activation campaigns that deliver every time. Along with the most dedicated, smart and fun-loving team one could ever work with, Matt and the leadership team will proceed to build the next level and while it will be with a tinge of bittersweet, I can’t wait to watch what will be another incredible stage of growth.”
The news comes a month after EBA expanded its service offering to make it “a strategic brand and commercial agency that delivers exceptional experiences”.
Huge congrats Matt!
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