We are conducting a confidential search for an experienced Group Head of PR & Communications to lead the overall public relations, corporate communications and reputation management strategy for a diversified luxury business operating across multiple sectors.
The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping the organisation's international profile, strengthening its brand positioning and developing influential relationships across the global luxury, business and lifestyle media landscape.
Key Responsibilities
Group PR & Communications Strategy
- Develop and lead the overall PR and communications strategy across the Group and its portfolio of brands.
- Establish consistent brand positioning, messaging and communication standards across all entities.
- Identify opportunities to strengthen the Group's visibility, credibility and international reputation.
Corporate Communications & Reputation Management
- Protect and enhance the reputation of the Group, its entities and key stakeholders.
- Lead crisis communications and manage sensitive reputational matters.
- Establish corporate narratives, tone of voice and communication guidelines across internal and external channels.
- Ensure all communications reflect the Group's values, positioning and luxury market expectations.
Executive Communications & Positioning
- Develop strategic communications and visibility programmes for the Chairman, C-suite executives and designated spokespersons.
- Position senior leadership through high-profile interviews, thought leadership, speaking engagements and relevant media opportunities.
- Manage executive messaging and ensure consistency across public-facing communications.
International Media Relations
- Build and maintain relationships with Tier 1 media outlets, journalists and influential publications across the UAE, GCC, Europe and other key international markets.
- Secure high-impact media coverage across business, luxury, lifestyle, design, automotive and real estate publications.
- Develop and execute international PR campaigns that strengthen the Group's profile and industry positioning.
UHNW Audience Engagement & Strategic Partnerships
- Develop communications strategies targeting ultra-high-net-worth individuals, centimillionaires and billionaire audiences.
- Identify influential platforms, publications, networks and partnerships that provide access to relevant luxury audiences.
- Establish strategic collaborations that enhance brand prestige, visibility and commercial value.
PR Agency & Stakeholder Management
- Identify, appoint and manage leading local and international PR agencies.
- Set clear strategic objectives, oversee campaign execution and evaluate agency performance.
- Manage external stakeholders, media partners and strategic collaborators.
Integrated Marketing & Communications
- Work closely with Digital and Marketing teams across the Group to ensure alignment between PR, social media and wider marketing activities.
- Ensure consistent messaging across all communication platforms and brand touchpoints.
- Identify opportunities to amplify PR campaigns through digital channels and strategic content initiatives.
Team Leadership & Function Development
- Establish and lead the Group's PR and Communications function.
- Identify future resource requirements and recruit additional team members as the function expands.
- Develop a high-performing communications team, setting clear objectives and performance standards.
Candidate Requirements
- Minimum 8–10 years of relevant PR and Corporate Communications experience, with substantial regional experience across the UAE and wider GCC.
- At least 5 years of experience working with luxury, premium or high-end brands, ideally targeting UHNW audiences.
- Previous experience in a senior PR, Communications or Corporate Affairs leadership position.
- Native-level written and spoken English is essential. Arabic language skills would be a significant advantage.
- Strong established relationships with Tier 1 media outlets, journalists and publications across the UAE and Europe.
- Proven experience developing and executing high-impact regional and international PR campaigns.
- Demonstrated experience in executive positioning, Chairman-level communications and C-suite reputation management.
- Strong understanding of the luxury market, UHNW audiences and the importance of discretion and brand reputation.
- Experience managing international PR agencies, strategic partnerships and influential stakeholders.
- Previous experience building, developing or transforming a brand's communications function.
- Demonstrated team leadership and people management capabilities.
- Excellent strategic thinking, communication, stakeholder management and decision-making skills.
- A hands-on approach, with the ability to operate at both strategic and operational levels in a fast-paced, evolving business environment.
