Wednesday 25 March 2026 – Sydney, Australia, MaxConnectors, part of MAXMEDIALAB, has appointed Tess Stillwell as Talent & Strategy Director, marking a key moment in the agency’s continued evolution and strategic growth across Australia and internationally.
In this newly created role, Stillwell will lead the strategic evolution of the agency’s talent offering, working closely alongside Founder and CEO Lynette Phillips to accelerate growth, deepen brand partnerships, and expand MaxConnectors’ footprint globally. Her remit includes broadening the agency’s representation model and creating new pathways for talent across fashion, luxury, and entertainment beyond the traditional digital landscape.
Stillwell brings over a decade of international experience in talent management, brand strategy, and integrated partnerships. She was most recently a Senior Manager at The Wall Group, part of WME, one of the world’s leading talent agencies. In this role, she shaped long-term career strategies and global commercial partnerships, primarily focused on brand collaborations and creative bookings, representing top Hollywood talent across the US, UK, and Europe.
Prior to her time in the US, Stillwell spent over five years at IMG in Sydney, where she led the digital talent division. Widely regarded as an early mover in the space, she played a key role in pioneering digital talent representation in Australia, including working with figures such as Margaret Zhang, Sarah Ellen, Josh Heuston as part of the agency’s first wave of non-traditional talent.
At MaxConnectors, Stillwell’s appointment reflects a deliberate evolution of the agency’s talent proposition, expanding beyond its established digital foundations to encompass a more holistic and globally minded approach to talent representation and strategic career development.
Stillwell said, “I’m thrilled to bring a global perspective to MaxConnectors at such a pivotal moment. Lynette has built an exceptional business, and I look forward to working with her and the broader MAXMEDIALAB network to expand the agency’s talent offering and create meaningful pathways for talent to access international opportunities. My focus is on building strategic, enduring careers grounded in cultural relevance, thoughtful brand alignment, and innovative partnerships that deliver long-term value for both talent and clients.”
Lynette Phillips added, “Tess brings a rare combination of global experience, strategic insight, and deep industry relationships. Her understanding of both the Australian and US markets makes her uniquely positioned to lead this next phase of growth for our business.”
Stillwell’s appointment underscores MaxConnectors’ continued investment in world-class talent strategy and its commitment to shaping globally relevant careers from Australia.
ENDS
About us:
About MaxConnectors
Founded in 2013, MaxConnectors is Australia’s leading digital talent agency, representing a curated community of the country’s most respected and engaging creators. At the forefront of the influencer movement, MaxConnectors has become the trusted authority for brands seeking to deliver impactful, authentic and innovative digital campaigns.
About MAXMEDIALAB
After 25 years in mainstream and corporate media, CEO Lynette Phillips founded MAXMEDIALAB in 2011. She set out to shape a new agency model, one that met the needs and demands of ever-evolving media landscape. She envisioned a truly integrated luxury agency. Thirteen years on, MAXMEDIALAB, continues to thrive with our unique offering.
Through an integrated 360-model, MAXMEDIALAB is at the forefront of creating new digital moments for brands to connect with media, advocates, creators and consumer audiences alike. We unite passionate professionals across all disciplines, from strategy, creative, social, communications, paid media, digital, experiential and influencers, to take our brand partners to new heights. Our breadth of experience not only allows us to dream big bit also execute these ideas seamlessly.
Paid media clients include: Hermes, Paspaley, Giorgio Armani, Ralph Lauren, LUXASIA and Audemars Piquet.
PR clients include: Ralph Lauren, Frank Muller, DOMA Group, Little National Hotels, Lark Distillery, Haus Labs, Avène, Klorane and Bissoance to name a few.
Contact details:
Nicole Craig
MAXMEDIALAB
Publicity & Media Liaison Director
+61 405 105 676
