Matt McCann Appointed As Bastion EBA CEO

Bastion Collective’s specialist sponsorship and experiential marketing agency, Bastion EBA, has appointed Matt McCann as CEO effective November.

McCann has held multiples leadership roles in media agencies over 15 years, including time leading the media and sponsorship team at Telstra.

McCann joined EBA last year as GM out of Sydney and is prepped for the change of guard as its departing CEO Simon Garlick heads to WA to take on a job as Fremantle Docker’s new chief executive.

He has a solid grounding in brand and experiences across FMCG, Finance, Telco and Government, including a four year stint as global operating officer at brand consultancy agency, The Projects, and General Manager of Media and Sponsorship at Telstra.

He will be assisted by a strong leadership team comprising Brett Daniher (head of commercial) and Tara Phelps (head of client service), Stephanie Rose (chief operating officer), and new hire Lizzie McManus from MKTG as head of brand experience.

Bastion Collective CEO, Jack Watts commented: “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.

“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.”

Watts added: “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.

“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.”

Simon Garlick said of the appointment: “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.”

Garlick added: “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.”

McCann is ready to take the reins, commenting: “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.”

He added: “I think you will see a new style of EBA in the coming months with a number of great experiences coming to life.”

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Bastion EBA Matt McCann