Executive Vice President, Lifestyle Communications

Overview

Ketchum is seeking a dynamic and strategic Executive Vice President, Lifestyle Practice, to lead a portfolio of iconic and beloved lifestyle brands from our New York office. This role will lead client relationships, drive business growth, and inspire high-performing teams to deliver breakthrough, culture-inspired work. This individual will bring deep expertise in consumer lifestyle marketing, corporate communications, and executive positioning. They will excel at building trusted client relationships, leading multidisciplinary teams, and driving strategic storytelling that enhances reputation and brand relevance.

The ideal candidate is a leader with a pulse on cultural trends, a strong business acumen, and a passion for shaping the future of lifestyle communications.

We encourage our employees to be curious, brave, inspiring, and a force for good. Let’s talk. Come belong at Ketchum!

• Serve as the strategic leader for a portfolio of high-profile lifestyle brands, driving vision, growth, and innovation.
• Own and cultivate senior-level client relationships, providing strategic counsel on corporate communications, executive visibility, and consumer engagement.
• Serve as strategic contact for clients and demonstrate in-depth knowledge of clients’ business and industry; develop strategy and lead successful tactical execution of client programs, on time and on budget.
• Lead executive positioning across a myriad of leaders at the client organization, including coordination across a large team that support individual leaders.
• Partner with media, influencer, and creative teams to develop multi-channel programs that amplify brand narratives.
• Drive business development, identifying new opportunities and leading strategic pitches to expand the agency’s portfolio.
• Maximize the agency’s network of resources to enhance client services – build connections across the agency so that you’re prepared to put forth agency subject matter experts for the good of client business.
• Take initiative in team management by solving problems proactively and mentoring through action. Actively listen in client conversations and train teams to do the same.
• Conduct daily ‘culture-mining’ to keep a pulse on audience trends, needs, and moments. Leverage these insights to craft compelling storytelling opportunities for clients.
• Maintain high energy while supporting team growth through training, mentorship, and development opportunities. Foster an environment of continuous learning.
• Deliver clear, strategic, and persuasive presentations that effectively convey ideas to clients, colleagues, and stakeholders.
• Identify and troubleshoot client issues, mobilizing internal resources to develop effective solutions.
• Oversee budgets, billing, supplier invoicing, and scope of work to ensure profitability and efficiency for both clients and teams.
• Enhance company presence through thought leadership—writing, speaking, and professional engagements—to drive recognition and business growth.
• Attract, develop, and retain diverse talent while fostering an equitable, inclusive culture where every team member feels valued.

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field preferred.
• 15+ years of public relations, marketing, or communications experience, with a strong emphasis on agency leadership.
• Precision focus with an acute attention to detail, responsiveness, and ability to flex and provide counsel on your feet.
• Knowledge of the food industry and comfortable flexing between corporate and brand communications.
• Strong business acumen, with experience in growing and managing a portfolio of accounts.
• Exceptional leadership skills, with a passion for mentoring and growing high-performing teams.
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities, with the ability to inspire clients, teams, and stakeholders.
• Presence with clients, constituents and partners that showcases your deep experience and abilities, as well as relationship-building abilities.

The salary range for this position is $220,000+. This position may be bonus eligible depending on individual employee performance and Ketchum business…