Bastion Shine Wellington raids VML poaching six stars including managing director Fleur Head
In a major shakeup of the Wellington market, VML Wellington managing director Fleur Head (pictured) will step into the leadership of Bastion Shine Wellington in early 2026, alongside five senior execs from VML: Head of Planning Anna Gunnell, Creative Director Damian Galvin, Head of Media Alicia Tutty, Strategy director Matt Saunders and Head of Client Services Kate Miller.
The raid comes ahead of several government tenders expected next year. Collectively, this group brings extensive experience with some of New Zealand’s most significant government, corporate and consumer clients.
Bastion Shine NZ CEO Toby Sellers says the new hires represent a major step in Bastion Shine’s growth story.“This is a landmark moment for Bastion Shine. As Australasia’s largest independent agency group, we’re proud to be investing in Wellington, the heart of government and home to some of Aotearoa’s most iconic businesses. Welcoming such a talented and diverse leadership group reflects our commitment to delivering world-class creativity and strategy in the capital. The unique mix of public purpose and commercial creativity makes Wellington a perfect fit for our next phase of growth.”
This investment represents a major step forward in expanding our Wellington capability and reflects our ongoing ambition to deliver greater strategic, creative and advisory depth for clients across both the public and private sectors. It builds on the strong foundation established under
Sally Hooper’s leadership. As part of this growth, Sally will move into the role of Chief Commercial Officer, where she will leverage her extensive agency and consultancy experience to connect and grow Bastion Shine’s full suite of capabilities across New Zealand.
Hooper says that clients and customers expect connected, integrated thinking to navigate complex challenges: “My focus will be to connect Bastion’s expertise nationwide, especially our growing digital practice. Bringing together the best minds with the agility to help organisations navigate complex communication challenges, whether they’re public sector agencies, corporates, or emerging innovators. From major government projects to brand transformation work, our goal is to create clarity, confidence and measurable outcomes for the organisations shaping New Zealand’s future.”
The announcement follows Bastion Group’s acquisition of Catch Design in September 2024, bringing a team of 25 strategists, designers, producers and engineers into the fold. Catch has quickly established itself as a leading force in digital strategy, creativity, creative technology, martec and experience design.
Sellers adds: “With the agility of being an independent, ability to think locally, a strengthened leadership team and expanded expertise on the ground and our Catch Design acquisition, Bastion Shine is better positioned than ever to deliver integrated solutions that put people, brands and organisations in a position of strength and reinforce Bastion Shine’s national presence.
Bastion Shine is an approved provider on the All of Government Creative and Media Services panel, including Creative Services.
Left to right: Head of Planning Anna Gunnell, Creative Director Damian Galvin, Head of Media Alicia Tutty, Strategy director Matt Saunders and Head of Client Services Kate Miller
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