French health-tech brand appoints Australian agency
In its first major move in establishing a presence in Australia, French health-tech retailer Withings has appointed Sling & Stone as its agency of record, Mumbrella can reveal.
Following a competitive pitch, the agency was chosen to own strategic storytelling, media and influencer relations, and events and partnerships to raise brand awareness and build credibility in the local market.
Founded in 2008 by Eric Carreel, Withings is a healthtech company offering devices and apps to improve long-term wellbeing. In 2016, Withings was acquired by Nokia, but by 2018, Carreel bought it back.
It created the first Wi-Fi smart scale in 2009, integrates medical-grade features like ECG and sleep apnea detection into its smartwatches, and more recently, launched a “Health Solutions” branch dedicated to serving the healthcare industry.
To support its entry into Australia, Sling & Stone will lead an integrated communications strategy showcasing why connected health data is important, and how Aussies can use tech to build better habits and live healthier.
Federica Pala, Withings’ head of retail sales, APAC, said the brand needed a communications partner that “was already an expert” in healthtech. Given Sling & Stone recently launched its deep tech specialism, it was a no brainer.
“We chose to appoint Sling & Stone because of their deep understanding of the competitive wellness landscape and the fresh creative ideas and strategy that was put forward in the pitch,” Pala said. “The team’s extensive PR and influencer networks also shone through and we know they are the best partners to help us increase our Australian footprint.”
Withings is a “natural fit” for Sling & Stone, according to CEO James Hutchison. He said this is because it “represents the intersection of everything we’re passionate about”, including consumer technology, health, and brands with powerful purposes.
“More than just a healthtech brand, Withings is a game changer, successfully marrying cutting-edge technology with beautiful, everyday design,” he said. “We relish the opportunity to partner with them and share their story to help improve the health and fitness of Australians everywhere.”
It is the latest client to join Sling & Stone’s roster, which also includes LUSH, RMIT Online, 4Pines, Rothy’s, Domino’s, Boody, waterdrop, and Nourish Ingredients.
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