Sling & Stone appoints Nichole Provatas as Australia managing director

Sling & Stone has appointed Nichole Provatas as managing director for Australia, marking the first time the communications agency has established the role locally.

Provatas joins from WE Communications, where she led the international integrated marketing team and launched services including AI Search, as well as the Future of Communications thought leadership program.

In her role, she will oversee Sling & Stone’s Australian operations and work with the agency’s global leadership team to expand its services across strategy, creative and emerging technology.

The appointment comes as the agency looks to accelerate growth across Australia and the broader Asia Pacific region. Sling & Stone said the newly created MD role reflects demand from clients and the need to deepen the agency’s strategic capabilities across areas including AI visibility, social, creative and content.

Provatas brings experience across brand strategy, integrated marketing and communications, having led campaigns for companies including Adobe, Telstra and PayPal.

“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,” Provatas said.

“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.”

James Hutchinson, CEO of Sling & Stone, said the appointment would support the agency’s next phase of growth.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

Provatas steps into the role immediately. The announcement also coincides with leadership changes across Sling & Stone’s New Zealand operations, with Dearra Naidoo promoted to director, New Zealand, replacing Sian Church who is departing the agency after seven years.

Sling & Stone said the appointments form part of a broader push to expand its presence across the Asia Pacific region in 2026.