Nicola Nel

Nicola Nel is the Global Managing Director of PROI Worldwide, a global network of over 90 independent communications agencies spanning more than 65 countries. Prior to this role, she founded and successfully scaled Atmosphere Communications, South Africa's most creative PR agency. Atmosphere was recognised as South Africa's most awarded PR agency, securing numerous local and international accolades, including being named the Most Admired PR Agency in 2019 and 2020. Accenture Song acquired Atmosphere in 2021, and Nicola successfully exited in 2024. Nicola has served as a judge for several global creative and business awards within the marcom industry. She has also represented the African and European regions as a board member for three global, non-profit industry organizations. Additionally, she is the founding African board member for PRCA, the world's largest PR industry association, and has held several volunteer leadership positions with EO, a global peer-to-peer network for entrepreneurs, for the past few years. She began her career as a financial journalist, presenting both radio and television segments on business matters. Nicola holds a business degree from the University of Stellenbosch and a diploma in entrepreneurial studies from London Business School. She also completed a series of masterclasses in entrepreneurship from MIT.