Simplyai acquires Melbourne-based data analytics specialist Optivia
Intelligent automation and digital transformation consultancy Simplyai has acquired Melbourne-based data analytics specialist Optivia, while also adding to its senior line-up over recent weeks.
Established a decade ago under its previous Lavastorm ANZ brand, Optivia provides data discovery, analytics & insights, governance, and consulting services to clients across a range of sectors, including some of Australia’s most well-known names.
Optivia managing director Phil Ball will be among those joining Simplyai, while the firm has also been recruiting other senior leaders in recent weeks, including Gina Choutis as chief innovation officer and Ben Carroll as a partner in its newly-launched ‘Catalyst’ business.
“This strategic move brings together Optivia’s core strength in data discovery, preparation, and delivering robust business insights with Simplyai’s leadership in Intelligent Automation, AI, and data modernisation,” the firm said. “The combined entity significantly enhances our ability to help clients rapidly leverage their data for automated processes and smarter decision-making.”
Previously an analytics manager at Deloitte, Ball co-founded Optivia alongside directors Mario Ermacora and Lasith Abayawardana in 2015, the latter who also spent time at Deloitte and Ernst Young. The consultancy has since attracted the likes of NAB, Telstra, AGL, Transurban, Foxtel and 7-Eleven to its services, to name but a few.
“We are delighted to welcome Optivia to the Simplyai team to support our next wave of growth,” said managing director Jason Catania. “Whilst continued organic growth is our core focus, this new investment will also give us the platform to further explore acquisitions that can complement our existing footprint.”
Simplyai’s most recent growth phase is marked by its 2023 sale to Sydney-based private equity firm Liverpool Partners (LVP), which also has a controlling stake in fellow IT consultancy Seisma. The latter, which is reportedly up for sale, has made a number of acquisitions since the LVP investment, with former KPMG and Accenture senior leader James Scott chairing both.
A more recent company milestone was the launch of Microsoft AI innovation hub Catalyst, which has now welcomed former Microsoft financial services business solutions lead Ben Carroll as a partner to guide the practice alongside John Valastro and Tim Barnes. Gina Choutis meanwhile joins Simplyai as chief innovation officer from Vocus, before which she worked at Accenture.
