For-purpose corporate affairs agency Bastion Reputation has expanded its footprint into Canberra with the acquisition of Frank Communications & Advisory and establishment of Frank founder Lauren Walker (lead image) as its ACT-based principal consultant, public sector and policy.
The acquisition marks the latest period of growth for Bastion Reputation, which began in Victoria seven years ago and opened its Sydney office at the start of 2023, enabling the firm to provide significant resources and support closer to its growing roster of clients around Australia.
Bastion Reputation has for several years worked closely with Frank Communications & Advisory to provide support for clients on engagement with the public sector nationally and the acquisition of the Frank business will enable this work to be scaled as a comprehensive national offering.
Frank founder Walker brings more than 15 years’ experience working with government, holding key strategic advisory roles to Secretaries, Ministers and Senior Executives, as well as working with a number of federal government departments to drive change and manage stakeholders through large and often complex programs of work.
“Bastion Reputation’s acquisition of Frank Communications & Advisory is a significant step for our business as we grow in response to the needs of our clients for a truly national and full-service agency with highly specialised strategic expertise,” said Bastion Reputation managing director Clare Gleghorn.
“Lauren Walker, along with the team we’re building in Canberra, is a fantastic addition to Bastion Reputation’s capacity to both support the public sector to deliver its policy programs and assist our clients to navigate and engage with the public sector.
“The acquisition builds out our practice areas to seven covering a breadth of specialised services across the corporate and public affairs spectrum led by experts with deep expertise and supported by a talented and diverse team of communications professionals,” Gleghorn said.
Walker has said of her appointment: “Frank Communications is excited to become part of the Bastion Reputation family, particularly during a period of such significant growth for the company. The expertise and specialist support they offer in communications and stakeholder engagement will be highly sought after in the Canberra market.”
Bastion Agency’s Global CEO, Jack Watts, added “As the largest independent Australian agency, doing the work that helps evolve and grow our country is what drives us and the amazing clients we get to work with. Expanding our presence in Canberra will hopefully help us make a greater contribution to the future of Australia. And that’s a prospect that excites everyone at Bastion.”
The expansion sees Bastion Reputation join its market research agency partner, Bastion Insights, at Hub Civic Quarter, in the heart of Canberra CBD.
