Gaven Morris, the former ABC New Director, has a new role, clinching a deal to launch a digital transformation and strategy consultancy.

According to the Australian (subscription required), just a fortnight after leaving the ABC, Morris has been appointed head of Bastion Transform, one of Australia’s biggest independent advertising firms.

Bastion Transform is the newest division of the fast-growing group led by chief executive Jack Watts and his brother Fergus, that recently bought New Zealand-based Shine and has annual revenue above $50m and is currently growing by around 30% per year.

Morris told The Australian he only met Watts recently as he sought some advice from a number of business executives about his next move.

He says, “It came from me thinking about a different rhythm about how I want to work and who is out there doing interesting things. A couple of people suggested we have a chat and Jack quickly said you should do what you are thinking of doing, with us.

 “It will be at a slightly different pace from what I have been doing, working on projects and strategic plans I can invest my time in rather than my time being spent in meetings and steering committees, as tended to be the case as news director.”

Bastion has employed 50 new staff since mid-2021 in an effort to win market share while its foreign-owned rivals have downsized and Morris says, “I love big ideas and working with teams to launch future-facing projects.

 “I can’t wait to help organisations and institutions seeking to navigate their way towards an increasingly digital future.

 “This fourth industrial revolution requires a clear vision, building effective cultures and enacting purposeful plans to keep ahead of so much change.”