David Kendall, Marketing & Communications Director, David Collins Studio
David’s multi-faceted role at David Collins Studio includes overseeing the brand’s marketing and public relations, leading special projects such as the book, ABCDCS (Assouline, 2014), and Past Present Future – the 30th anniversary exhibition presented at Phillips in London in 2015 – as well as being part of the senior team. Prior to joining the company in 2007, David worked as surveyor, specialising in commercial property, an experience that provided him with a solid commercial grounding.
Julia Record, Global Director of Communications and Partnerships, Dorchester Collection
With over 30 years’ communications experience, 25 of which on worldwide campaigns, Julia Record specialises in the luxury, lifestyle and travel sectors. She is currently the Global Director of Communications and Partnerships for Dorchester Collection, with responsibilities including all aspects of comms including social media and strategic brand partnerships. In addition, she has held senior corporate roles based in three continents including Global VP of Communications for Kerzner International, and has headed up worldwide comms for Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts, The Savoy Group and Thistle Hotels. Julia was included in PR Week's 2020 Power Book as number one in the luxury hospitality sector.
Samantha Strawford, Brand Communications Director, Belmond
Samantha Strawford has been with Belmond for over seven years and has been a pivotal player in its dramatic rise in global brand awareness, culminating in Belmond's acquisition in 2019 by LVMH. In her role as Brand Communications Director, Samantha has been responsible for driving forward the global brand creative communications strategy, gaining international media attention. With over 20 years’ experience, Samantha has a thorough understanding and in-depth knowledge of luxury communications. Prior to joining Belmond, Samantha was the communications lead for the launch of Fly Victor, a private jet charter business, executing the start-up's communications strategy and securing its position as one of Walpole's Brands of Tomorrow.
Stephen Rankin, Director of Prestige, Gordon & MacPhail
With over 20 years’ experience in the world of Single Malt (as well as Wine and Spirits), Stephen Rankin’s contribution to the industry was recognised in in 2019 when he was made a Master of the Quaich: the highest honour possible in the Whisky industry. Alongside fellow family members and colleagues, Stephen has contributed to the growth of the 125-year-old family firm Gordon & MacPhail, and the release of some of the rarest and most iconic whiskies in the world. His work today is focused on engaging with consumers around the world, and bringing to life the wonderful story of Gordon & MacPhail through their truly unique and rare portfolio of Single Malt Scotch Whiskies.
Zanny Gilchrist, Luxury PR & Marketing Consultant, Ettinger
Zanny Gilchrist’s career has taken her from atop London PR agency to a small specialist food & drinks agency, to in-house as Head of PR at the Duke of Richmond's Goodwood Estate, and then freelance for the last 15years.Zanny has worked with local, national and international British luxury brands and has enjoyed representing privately-owned country estates, cultural attractions, food and drink brands, a luxury country house hotel & spa and style and accessories brands. Last year she also initiated and organised on behalf of Ettinger a successful multi-brand British Men's Style press day which she hopes, Covid allowing, to organise again in 2021.
