Bastion Aotearoa secures KFC creative account

Bastion Aotearoa has secured the creative account for KFC New Zealand following a competitive pitch, replacing Stanley St.. The appointment strengthens Bastion Aotearoa’s position in the local market after recent structural changes within the group.

KFC New Zealand has previously worked with the wider Bastion network in other markets, but this marks the first time the local agency will lead the brand’s creative remit in New Zealand.

Integrated agency team in place

Bastion Aotearoa joins Special PR and PHD Media as KFC New Zealand’s agency partners. The brand is operated locally by Restaurant Brands.

A spokesperson, KFC New Zealand: "With a big year ahead for the brand, we’re excited to keep building on what KFC does best -- big, bold, creative ideas, with our customers front and centre."

Toby Sellers, CEO, Bastion Aotearoa: "With a big year ahead for the brand, we're excited to build on what KFC does best. Big, bold creative ideas with customers front and centre.

"We're very much looking forward to working with … the crew at Restaurant Brands. Thanks for putting your confidence in us."

Rebrand signals local focus

The win follows the agency’s transition from Bastion Shine to Bastion Aotearoa earlier this month, a move designed to reflect its positioning in the New Zealand market. The business became Bastion Shine after Bastion acquired independent agency Shine in 2021.

Toby Sellers: "The new name reflects our focus. We're building something for Aotearoa, in Aotearoa. Backed by the independence of the Bastion Group, but shaped by what our clients and market need here."

A spokesperson, Bastion Aotearoa: "We are excited to partner with the team at Restaurant Brands, bringing the talent and capabilities of Bastion Aotearoa to help deliver the future vision for the KFC business and brand."

The agency has invested in capability development over the past two years and recently appointed Joanne Norton as managing director of insight, joining from Bondi Sands. Bastion Aotearoa’s client roster includes Air New Zealand, Spark New Zealand, Genesis Energy, Volvo Cars, Tower Insurance and Whittaker's.

www.kfc.co.nz

www.bastionagency.com

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