Sydney, Melbourne, 13th February 2025: simplyai  is proud to announce the launch of Simplyai Catalyst, a dedicated AI innovation hub designed to accelerate AI adoption and drive meaningful business transformation across industry. Leveraging Microsoft’s advanced AI and cloud technologies, Simplyai Catalyst will help enterprises harness the full potential of AI to address complex challenges and achieve measurable business outcomes.

With enterprise AI expected to generate $3.9 trillion in global value by 2026 (Gartner), Simplyai Catalyst is strategically positioned to support organisations to navigate AI’s rapid evolution. Microsoft’s cutting-edge platforms— Core AI, Copilot and Power Platform AI Agents —provide the foundation for businesses to modernise operations, enhance decision-making and unlock new growth opportunities.

John Valastro and Tim Barnes to Lead Simplyai Catalyst.

Heading this initiative is John Valastro, who will transition to lead Simplyai Catalyst. With deep expertise in Digital and AI-driven enterprise transformation, Valastro will lead the integration of Microsoft’s AI ecosystem with Simplyai’s industry-specific expertise, ensuring businesses can scale AI solutions efficiently and effectively.

Valastro is joined by Tim Barnes, whose distinguished career includes executive leadership roles at ANZ Bank, Telstra and Optus, where he successfully led large-scale strategy & transformation projects and delivered significant business outcomes. Most recently, he led ANZ’s automation and AI enablement strategy & cross company initiatives, further cementing his reputation as an industry leader in technological advancement.