Samantha Strawford has been with Belmond for over seven years and has been a pivotal player in the dramatic rise in global brand awareness, culminating in Belmond's acquisition in 2019 by LVMH, the world's leading luxury group. In her role as Brand Communications Director, Samantha has been responsible for driving forward the global brand communications strategy and the development of creative campaigns, 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 quickly securing its position as one of Walpole's Brands of Tomorrow. Prior to this, Samantha was Associate Director at boutique luxury PR agency, Sadler&co where she was responsible for clients such as Carrier, Seabourn as well as small independent hotels including Marbella Club and Coral Reef Club, Barbados.
Samantha has been recognised by PR Week as one of the UK's most influential communications professionals in the UK in 2019 and 2020, and is among the top 10 PR players in hospitality today.
What does it mean to you to be named a Walpole 2020 Power List winner?
I am so honoured to be in the Walpole 2020 Power List. Walpole represents all that is excellent about British Luxury - the creativity, leadership and passion of the entire team is both energising and inspiring. To receive this recognition is something that I am incredibly proud of and I am enormously grateful to Helen and the entire team for their continued support.
Why do you think you were named on the List this year?
As the Global Brand Communications Director for Belmond, I am lucky to be able to work closely with Walpole who, like me, believe in the power of storytelling for brands and for continuously finding new, creative ways to tell those stories. Digging deep into heritage and history to uncover stories of old and plotting for new stories yet to be told - all with a touch of magic!
