Bastion Shine strengthens leadership with new creative and client-focused roles

AUCKLAND, Today: Bastion Shine has introduced two key leadership roles to strengthen its services. Annabelle Pitkin has been named Chief Client Officer, focusing on client engagement and enhancing the agency’s diverse offerings.

Annabelle brings over 12 years of experience at Bastion Shine and will lead client relationships by integrating the agency’s wide-ranging capabilities to deliver end-to-end business solutions.

Before joining Bastion Shine, Annabelle worked at JWT in London and TBWA & Saatchi’s in New Zealand, where she built strong client relationships and delivered impactful results.

Bastion Shine CEO Toby Sellers says the strategic appointment highlights the agency’s commitment to delivering exceptional, comprehensive client services and experiences.

“Annabelle has an impressive track record of bringing together the agency’s specialist capabilities to deliver integrated communications platforms for some of NZ’s most innovative and successful businesses,” said Toby.

“Bastion Shine is a different breed of agency. With the business acumen of a consultancy, the strength of a network, and the service of an independent,” Toby added.

“Bastion Shine is a different breed of agency. With the business acumen of a consultancy, the strength of a network, and the service of an independent.” – Toby Sellers

Alongside Annabelle’s appointment, Bastion Shine has also welcomed John Pelasio as its Creative Lead Pou Arataki. He will focus on weaving te ao Māori perspectives into the agency’s creative work.

Pelasio’s role includes exploring Māori narratives and mentoring the team to create culturally resonant work. His vision will elevate Bastion Shine’s creative output and authenticity in representing Aotearoa’s cultural heritage.

“Tāia te ao – my why is driven by a vision to shape a future where we have a visually bicultural Aotearoa,” says Pelasio. His passion is to inspire the team to create work that reflects today and the future.

With over a decade of experience merging culture and creativity, Pelasio will contribute significantly to promoting a bicultural future for Aotearoa through innovative design and storytelling.

Toby Sellers adds, “John’s vision for authentically bringing te ao Māori principles to the ideas and experiences we create for our client partners is inspiring.”

The appointments of Annabelle Pitkin and John Pelasio mark an exciting new chapter for Bastion Shine, ensuring both creative and client-focused excellence for the agency and its communities.