Industry update

Sling & Stone appoints first Australian MD; announces leadership changes in New Zealand

by Telum Media

5 March 2026 2:49 AM

2 mins read

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.

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