Fordham University

Communications Director at UNIQLO

Brooklyn, New York, United States

- Define and drive effective communications vision and strategy internally and externally
-  Lead all strategies related to brand and both its reputation and impression across all media – print, online and broadcast
-  Oversee all communications efforts to support the overall company strategy and create positive internal and external brand perception inclusive of social media
-  Lead internal communication efforts by managing and sharing all information with employees
-  Serve as strategic council of industry information providing competitor best practices and advising on necessary industry benchmarks and standards
-  Lead external and internal strategies to promote key initiatives that drive reputation inclusive of Sustainability, Brand Ambassadors and Events
-  Develop and lead influencer strategy from ideation to execution
-  Manage internal PR team setting clear goals and objectives
-  Manage department budget
-  Lead cross-functional projects to include Merchandising, Operations, Human Resources, Community and Legal teams
-  Manage all brand partner relationships inclusive of collaboration project designers, brand ambassadors as well as organizations (including but not limited to Alexander Wang, MoMA, Roger Federer and Instagram)
-  Ideate and lead creative brand activations to drive sales in-store and online
-  Manage external supporting agencies

UNIQLO

Director of Communications and Public Relations

- Oversee execution of all US marketing, advertising and public relations activity from inception to completion. Ensure work meets strategic business needs while aligning with the brand standards.
-  Create all US communications plans and coordinate the delivery of relevant, tactical and impactful communication campaigns inclusive of product placement and profile features.
-  Build and maintain brand awareness through consistent and strong level of press coverage in the US market – across fashion, trade and consumer media genres.
-  Conceptualize and deliver local events with clear KPIs for consumer, industry and press.
-  Build and develop brand’s relationships with key local influencers/bloggers/celebrities to build strategic partnerships that have measurable impact.
-  Initiate, develop and manage region-specific partnerships and promotions with clear business objectives.
-  Implement retail practices and policies to generate profit oriented activities.
-  Work closely with merchandising and retail teams to support expansion of retail stores and wholesale shops, including visual and marketing support.
-  Work with digital team to support strategic efforts, including content, commerce, and social media
-  Develop campaigns based on editorial community feedback targeting improvement of product and strategic development of sales.
-  Connect brand with local partners/charities and organizations to promote brand.
-  Coordinate media buy for the brand as well as negotiate added value activity.
-  Hire and manage all support team as well as agencies for specific projects.
-  Plan and manage budget with clear ROI measurables.

DSQUARED2 SPA

U.S. Director of Communications

- Create, supervise and execute multi-channel communications strategies for all accounts across fashion, tech and accessories.
-  Define scope of work and set client expectations
-  Manage media relations and provide strategic counsel to clients and team with regard to opportunities
-  Define and analyze target markets and utilize positioning strategies to define clients’ brand identity
-  Identify and pursue new business opportunities and lead new business pitches
-  Lead, manage and develop full supporting team
-  Manage all client reporting including budgets and activity
-  Provide consultancy with sales campaigns and messaging ensuring consistently in brand messaging
-  Manage celebrity and VIP relations for clients
-  Clients include: Belstaff, Turnbull & Asser, Santoni Footwear, Lyst, En Noir, Rimowa, Skagen, Cambridge Satchel Company, Ulysse Nardin

BPCM

Consulting Director, Fashion PR

- Create and implement PR strategies and ideas that increase overall brand awareness, increase viewership of product and increase web traffic goals
- Manage planning process and key messaging strategies
- Manage the PR process across all PR channels - social, print, digital, conferences, events, etc.
- Write and edit press releases and develop and pitch stories across consumer, business, tech, fashion and ad trade media
- Generate press materials, press releases, bios, content descriptors, pitch letters, executive announcements, talking points, company statements, media alerts, internal communications and presentations
- Foster and grow senior level media relationships across fashion, tech, e-commerce, retail, entertainment and consumer press
- Manage external agency partners globally to ensure messaging is delivered consistently and effectively with a focus on maximizing brand awareness & ROI
- Monitor competitive environment via daily review of competitive/industry news
- Oversee the relationship and performance of affiliates program

Moda Operandi

Consulting Public Relations Director

- Proactively place brand in all national and regional publications, including designer and corporate profiles
- Manage supporting press team
- Hire and manage all support agencies
- Maintain strong relationships with key national and regional media
- Create and enforce all logistics and procedures for the daily functions of press office
- Create, manage and execute brand and product launch campaigns inclusive of marketing
- Manage retail marketing initiatives and events
- Produce seasonal look book shoots and press kits
- Work closely with sales and design teams in organizing seasonal press presentations
- Produce monthly editorial, celebrity and industry news reports
- Maintain social media content
- Travel internationally for press presentations

TOPSHOP TOPMAN

Publicist

- Manage all editorial and press communication of men’s and sports divisions
- Manage all men’s sample requests for London, Paris and Milan press offices
- Create, manage and execute brand and product launch campaigns
- Brainstorm and strategically pitch stories to international, national and regional press
- Produce seasonal look books and press kits for all brands
- Work closely with sales and design teams in organizing seasonal press presentations
- Produce monthly credit reports
- Produce and execute photo shoots (internal and editorial)
- Travel internationally for press presentations
- Assist in the organization of Women’s collection fashion show

Ralph Lauren

PR Manager

- Manage press and media communication of Maison Martin Margiela, Dsquared and Sophia Kokosalaki for the United States and Canada
- Establish and maintain close relationships with national and international press
- Help organize major fashion events including shows in Milan and Paris, museum exhibitions, in-store events, press clinics, advertising campaigns and other brand driven initiatives
- Strategize with Marketing Director on annual marketing action plans
- Work with vendors for event production; research sources for specialty project needs
- Coordinate and traffic all samples for editorial and celebrity usage
- Handle all credit information and editorial reports
- Travel for international and domestic meetings and events
- Act as assistant to designers and key personnel when in the United States
- Maintain contact and sample loan database
- Hire and oversee interns

Michael Zakrzewski