Havas pharma agency Bastion Brands announces leadership transition

Havas Group ANZ has announced a planned leadership transition at health communications agency, Bastion Brands, with Dan King promoted to Managing Director.

The appointment follows Founder and CEO of Bastion Brands, Simon Davies' decision to step away from the Australian business at the end of June to spend time with family overseas. He will subsequently support Havas Health projects in Europe.

As Managing Director, Dan will lead Bastion Brands' Melbourne and Sydney offices. His focus is to continue the agency's momentum through innovation, specialist capability, and collaboration across Havas, working with both local and international clients.

Dan joined the agency in 2019 and was most recently Executive Director. During his tenure, he's worked across Australian and global clients on commercial and communications programs for medical, pharmaceutical, and life science businesses.

"Bastion Brands has always stood for work that respects science and moves people to act," said Simon.

"I am incredibly proud of what this team has built with our clients since 2012. Thank you to our people and our partners for the trust and the results we achieved together. The business is performing strongly, and the acquisition has been a huge success, we are now fully integrated within Havas, this is the right moment to pass the baton. Dan knows our clients, our people and our craft. The agency is in great hands. I want to thank the Havas leadership of James Wright, Donna Murphy and Charles Houdoux for their incredible support, partnership and valued counsel."

James Wright, CEO of Havas Group ANZ said: "Simon leaves a legacy at Bastion Brands and within Havas ANZ. He helped create a specialist agency that pairs scientific depth with powerful creativity to drive outcomes for clients. Simon is a great friend, and I want to thank him for the enduring impact he has made.

"Equally, I want to celebrate Dan’s promotion, he has been central to the agency’s continued growth. His leadership through the transition will ensure continuity for clients and set the pace for what comes next. We hope to welcome Simon back into the Havas ANZ fold when he returns from Europe in late 2027."

^{(Pictured, Bastion Brands senior team from left: Matthew Gill, Sidony Laing, Daniel King, Simon Davies, Rhian Shinners, Katie Colson, and Matt Chilvers)}