Account Assistant, Hospitality Communications

Karla Otto is a globally recognized public relations and communications agency, founded in 1982, with offices in 15 key cities across the UK, EMEA, US, and Asia. With a strong presence in fashion capitals such as Milan, London, Paris, and New York, the agency has built a reputation for representing some of the most prestigious names in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. In 2017, Karla Otto merged with K2 to form THE INDEPENDENTS, a global marketing, design, and communications group.

At Karla Otto, our team of expert strategists, designers, planners and publicists are dedicated to delivering exceptional results and establishing long‑term partnerships with our clients. We are passionate about the world of fashion, beauty, and luxury, with everyone bringing their unique expertise and insights to the table.

To help support our future growth as an agency, we are looking for an Account Assistant, Hospitality Communications to join our team based in our London office.

• Support running of day‑to‑day account functions within the hospitality division at Karla Otto London.
• Achieve traditional and social media exposure in appropriate titles and targets.
• Manage incoming reactive enquiries from relevant external partners to ensure that all opportunities are maximised for client and agency benefit.
• Prepare agendas, meeting minutes and media updates for client calls.
• Aid in the development and execution of PR campaigns, including launches, events and media activations.
• Support the development of creative and considered press collateral including engaging press releases and copy.
• Maintain regular communications with key contacts within the world of hospitality, including but not limited to: travel, F&B, design and trade press; KOLs and tastemakers within relevant verticals; wider media, tastemaker and partner contacts in the worlds of fashion, beauty, art and culture.

• Compile and review editorial clippings to be shared with clients.
• Monitor and share coverage across print, online and social media with clients.
• Compile client reports on a weekly, monthly and quarterly basis that highlight success or opportunities against the agreed key performance indicators for individual clients.

• Provide essential support at events, including evening/weekend support as required.
• Manage guest list for events, sending/tracking RSVPs and producing post‑event recaps for both internal teams and clients.

• Keep up to date with developments in the media, staying on top of industry trends and competitors.
• Update and maintain contact database and industry moves.
• Perform ad hoc administrative tasks across the communications department.

• Intelligent, quick‑learning and hands‑on approach to new challenges.
• Confident to speak and present in a work environment.
• Relevant experience (including at intern level) and understanding of a fast‑paced agency/in‑house environment, ideally within travel, restaurant or lifestyle.
• Positive attitude; strongly motivated and self‑starting; instinctive team player; hard worker.
• Interest in culture, arts, fashion and lifestyle and ability to talk confidently and make suggestions about how these elements can be used to enhance our clients’ offerings.
• Understanding of media relations, influencer relations and the purpose of PR and communications.
• Actively seeking opportunities to learn something new and broaden their experiences.
• Strong communication skills (both written and oral), research, and organisation skills and high attention to detail.
• Ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines, prioritising own work in a fast‑paced environment.
• Well‑organised and with the ability to take the initiative when necessary.
• Must be efficient in Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint.

Karla Otto embraces and celebrates diversity, inclusivity, and equal opportunity. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. Karla Otto provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join our team!