SLING & STONE ANNOUNCES LEADERSHIP TRANSITION IN NEW ZEALAND

Communications agency Sling & Stone has confirmed a leadership change for 2026, with Sian Church stepping down as Head of New Zealand after seven years. Dearra Naidoo, who has been promoted to Director NZ, will lead the team into its next chapter, building on the agency’s strong foundations.

For Sling & Stone, the announcement marks both the end of a defining era and the beginning of a new chapter. Sian Church, who joined the agency with a clear mission to establish a top-tier communications partner in New Zealand, has overseen its transformation into one of the country’s most respected names in the sector. Over her tenure, Church curated a client portfolio that reflects the dynamism of New Zealand’s business landscape, ranging from venture-backed startups and scaleups to global brands entering the market. Companies such as Tracksuit, Kami, LawVu, Stripe, Google Cloud, Krispy Kreme and Too Good To Go have all benefited from the agency’s expertise under her leadership.

Reflecting on her decision to step down, Church described her time at Sling & Stone as one of the most rewarding and inspiring periods of her career. She emphasised that the role had been more than just a professional position, calling it a defining part of her journey. “I came in with a mission to build a top tier comms agency with a strong culture and a reputation for doing impactful work, and I truly believe I achieved that,” she said. Her departure underscores the legacy she leaves behind: an agency known for its creativity, culture and impact.

Taking the reins is Dearra Naidoo, who has been promoted to Director NZ. Naidoo brings more than a decade of experience across fintech, SaaS and consumer lifestyle sectors, and has spent the past four years at Sling & Stone honing her expertise and deepening her understanding of what makes the agency distinctive. She has led campaigns for brands such as Lush Cosmetics, Pathfinder and Akahu, demonstrating her ability to deliver work that resonates with audiences and aligns with the agency’s ethos. Her promotion signals continuity as well as fresh energy, ensuring Sling & Stone remains positioned to scale and innovate in the New Zealand market.

Naidoo expressed her excitement about the opportunity to lead the agency into its next phase. “I’m thrilled to lead Sling & Stone into its next chapter and work with the team to shape the agency’s future and grow our presence in the market. We already have an incredible team, a culture of creativity and a client portfolio that is truly inspiring, and I can’t wait to build on our strong foundations to drive Sling & Stone even further,” she said. Her words reflect both confidence and ambition, qualities that will be vital as the agency continues to expand its capabilities and strengthen its presence.

The transition also highlights Sling & Stone’s commitment to nurturing talent from within. Naidoo’s rise to leadership after four years at the agency demonstrates the value of investing in people who understand its culture and vision. Her close collaboration with the global leadership team will ensure that New Zealand remains a key part of Sling & Stone’s international growth strategy, while also maintaining the local relevance that has been central to its success.

Church’s departure is not simply a change in leadership; it is a moment of reflection on how far Sling & Stone has come in New Zealand. From its early days of building credibility in a competitive market to becoming a trusted partner for high-growth companies, the agency has consistently delivered campaigns that combine creativity with impact. The client roster she helped build is testament to her ability to attract and retain brands that value innovation and storytelling. Her legacy is one of scale, culture and reputation, and it sets a strong foundation for Naidoo to build upon.

As the communications industry continues to evolve, Sling & Stone’s leadership transition positions it to adapt and thrive. With Naidoo at the helm, the agency is expected to deepen its expertise in sectors such as fintech and SaaS, while continuing to support consumer lifestyle brands. Her experience and vision will be crucial in navigating the challenges and opportunities ahead, ensuring that Sling & Stone remains at the forefront of communications in New Zealand.

The announcement is both a farewell and a welcome: a recognition of Church’s achievements and a celebration of Naidoo’s potential. Together, they represent the past and future of Sling & Stone in New Zealand, a story of growth, culture and ambition that continues to unfold.