Account Director

Job description Application Deadline: 30 November 2025 Department: Lifestyle, Hospitality & Travel Location: Soho, London About Us AKA is a 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. We are a communications agency with a strong global network, creating bespoke strategies, brand positioning, and high-impact media coverage for our clients, who include fine dining establishments, high profile chefs, upscale restaurant groups, gastropubs and live music venues, independently owned bakeries and coffee shops, cocktail bars and premium nightlife clients. 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. Ideal Candidate • Bachelor’s degree in relevant field (Communications, Marketing, PR, Journalism), or equivalent professional experience. • 8 years’ experience in 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 Competitive renumeration package Full time, Hybrid work model Annual holiday entitlement of 32 days Gifted holiday for birthday Opportunity to work from abroad / second homes for pre agreed periods New business commission system Training and development programme Mentorship programme Regular performance and salary reviews Company social events Team building workshops Company breakfasts at AKA clients Client discounts and perks Complimentary membership to client's exclusive gym and studio space Pet friendly office If you are an experienced PR leader with a passion for hospitality and lifestyle, we would love to hear from you.