Senior Account Director
4 days ago
City of London
Application Deadline: 31 October 2025 Department: Lifestyle, Hospitality & Travel Location: AKA London About Us AKA is a London-based communications agency that services every aspect of today's complex and always evolving media. We live and breathe great stories about food, drink, travel, hospitality and wellness on both local and global levels. We are fiercely independent and fully integrated, delivering tailored public relations, marketing consultancy, powerful digital and social media management, synergistic partnerships, high profile event production, and business development. Here at AKA, we employ experienced digital creatives and public relations strategists who are fluent in the language and culture of food, drink, travel and wellness. We strongly believe in a non-hierarchical and inclusive culture here at AKA, we give our team the space to think creatively. We know how influencers and journalists think and have extensive networks within both the media and in the wider industry. We are a boutique PR and Communications agency with a strong global network, creating bespoke strategies, brand positioning, and high-impact media coverage for our clients, who include five-star hotels, luxury resorts, fine dining establishments, and premium travel experiences. About You We are seeking an accomplished Account Director with proven experience leading luxury hospitality, travel, and lifestyle accounts. Strategic by nature and entrepreneurial in spirit, you are equally adept at cultivating client relationships, guiding teams, and driving new business opportunities. You combine gravitas with creativity, delivering counsel and campaigns that meet the highest standards of excellence. Key Responsibilities • Lead a portfolio of high-profile accounts, ensuring alignment with client objectives and measurable success., • Develop and deliver strategic communications programmes that elevate brand positioning and reputation., • Represent the agency in new business development: identifying opportunities, leading pitches, and securing new clients., • Provide senior-level counsel and thought leadership to clients across PR, digital, and integrated campaigns., • Monitor and interpret media and industry trends, ensuring clients and the agency remain ahead of the curve., • Leverage an established network of media, industry contacts, and influencers to deliver opportunities and results., • Oversee the development of creative, insight-driven campaign recommendations and proposals., • Manage budgets and resources across accounts, ensuring effective delivery and performance., • Guide and advise clients on social and digital strategy, including influencer engagement and content-led campaigns., • Maintain ultimate responsibility for accurate and insightful reporting across all client campaigns., • Lead the direction and execution of the agency’s own social media presence. Candidate Profile • Bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, marketing, journalism, or equivalent professional experience., • 6–8 years’ experience in luxury PR, ideally across hospitality, travel, lifestyle, and culture sectors., • Demonstrable success in delivering high-level communications strategies and integrated campaigns., • Strong knowledge of digital marketing channels, platforms, and best practice., • Exceptional communication, presentation, and negotiation skills, with the ability to command a room., • Proven leadership ability with a track record of managing and inspiring teams., • Excellent organisational and analytical skills, with experience managing budgets and multiple projects simultaneously., • Confident, driven, and professional, with the ability to identify and capitalise on new opportunities., • Entrepreneurial and strategic mindset, with the vision to shape brand narratives and agency growth. Perks & Benefits Package Hybrid work model, with Wednesdays and Fridays designated for remote work. Annual holiday entitlement of 32 days, which includes 4 days to be taken during the Christmas and New Year period, also including 8 bank and statutory holidays. Gifted holiday to each team member for their birthday, or a birthday of a friend or family member. Gifted an additional 1-day holiday for all team members who reach 2 years' service. Opportunity to work from abroad / second homes for pre agreed periods of time for all team members who reach 3 years' service. Pension Scheme after 3 months of continuous service. Opportunity to participate within the AKA commission system whereby an on-going 10% commission of the retainer is awarded for new business successfully introduced to the agency solely by the team member. AKA training and development programme, to include but not limited to; bi-monthly company training sessions from tastemakers within different areas of the media and digital spectrum and in house people management workshops. Mentorship programme, assigning team members to buddy with Directors and work towards personal development plans. Regular performance and salary reviews. Company social events within office working hours. Team building workshops, often involving interesting activities and thought leading experiences. Company breakfast meetings at AKA client establishments. Client discounts and perks at some of London and the UK's best restaurants, bars, hotels and wellness concepts. Complimentary membership to our client's exclusive gym and studio space. Pet friendly office in the heart of Soho and within walking distance of some of our clients. Office and remote worker support which includes IT or bespoke equipment. If you are an experienced PR leader with a passion for luxury travel and hospitality, we would love to hear from you. Please send your CV and a brief cover letter to