Publicis Groupe establishes Chief Communications Officer APAC position

Global investment firm, KKR, has welcomed James Jarman as a Principal in its APAC communications team.

Based in Singapore, James most recently served as Managing Director at FTI Consulting, where he spent more than 15 years advising financial institutions on media relations and employee and investor engagement across Asia Pacific and London.

In this new post at KKR, he is responsible for supporting and enhancing the regional comms function led by Wei Jun Ong, Head of Asia Pacific Corporate Communications, who oversees the firm’s communications strategy and activities across the region.

James’ appointment follows the hire of Samuel Brustad in 2025, who joined the Tokyo office as a Vice President on the communications team. Samuel was previously a Director at FGS Global, where he advised clients on corporate and financial communications, as well as reputation management. Both James and Samuel will report to Wei Jun. 

Ogilvy Health Australia has launched OTC Influence, a new offering focused on marketing non-prescription, over-the-counter (OTC) brands.

The agency explained that the launch comes as the sector continues to grow in Australia, with the OTC pharmaceuticals market projected to reach A$6.75 billion in 2026.

The offering will focus on creating integrated campaigns for OTC brands built on cultural insights, using a social-media-first approach that includes health influencers, earned media, and owned channel content.

CEO of Ogilvy Health ANZ, Richard Brett, explained that OTC Influence will aim to culturally connect OTC brands and products directly to trends, consumer insights, and user attitudes.

"Bringing OTC brands into the heart of Australian culture is the critical next step for OTC marketing in Australia. This is where magic happens - at the intersection of brand attributes and cultural connection. It’s about leveraging earned-first creativity and developing ideas so compelling, entertaining, or culturally relevant that people want to share them."

Ogilvy Health’s Group Managing Director, Rachel Stanton, said: "The OTC Influence process starts with a deep dive into cultural insights, using data and listening tools to identify trends, phenomena, and consumer attitudes that create a new way to talk about health issues. This cultural hook then informs how the OTC brand provides commentary, a solution, or a new approach, moving it beyond its category and simple function and giving it a distinct point of view.

"By connecting the brands closely with culture, it will give OTC brands the opportunity to engage with consumers, pharmacists and retailers in their worlds, through their preferred channels in ways that resonate to get the brand both noticed and sold.” 

Communications agency, Sling & Stone, has announced the appointment of Nichole Provatas as Managing Director, Australia - its first Managing Director for the Australian market. She steps into the role with immediate effect and will oversee the agency's Australian operations, working closely with the global leadership team to deliver for clients across the region.

This appointment comes following a period of growth for Sling & Stone, with the agency describing it as a deliberate investment to deepen strategic guidance for its clients and service offerings across AI visibility, strategic insights, social, creative, and content.

Nichole brings experience across brand, integrated marketing, and communications strategy, and has driven brand campaigns for global brands, including Adobe, Telstra, and PayPal. She was most recently at We. Communications, where she led the international integrated marketing team, spearheaded AI Search, and created the Future of Communications thought leadership program.

Nichole said: "Communications is being rewritten in real time and the front door to brands has changed. Discovery and trust are being reshaped by AI, creators and algorithms. Sling & Stone is well positioned for this shift: it’s built for ambitious brands and it moves at speed. That’s what excites me about joining Sling & Stone right now.

"My focus is to combine sharp insight, brave creativity and emerging technology to deliver work that travels across channels and delivers real impact. The winners won’t be the loudest brands; they’ll be the most credible, useful and creatively distinctive. Sling & Stone is built for that future, and I’m lucky to help lead it in Australia."

CEO of Sling & Stone, James Hutchinson, said: “The moment we met Nichole, we knew she was exactly the kind of leader we need to take Sling & Stone in Australia to its next chapter.

"She brings an incredible track record, an instinct for creativity and strategy, and a global perspective on the future of communications. As Managing Director, Nichole will help us deliver deeper strategy, greater creativity and impactful communications for our clients."

Sling & Stone has also announced a leadership transition in New Zealand, with Sian Church stepping down from her role as Head of NZ after seven years. Dearra Naidoo, who has been with Sling & Stone for four years, has been promoted to Director and will lead the agency's next phase of growth alongside the leadership team.