Senior Vice President, Talent and Brand Partnerships

Karla Otto is a renowned public relations and communications agency with offices across 15 locations in the UK, EMEA, US and Asia. Established in 1982 by Karla Otto herself, the agency has since grown to become a global leader in luxury brand PR and events.

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With offices in major fashion capitals such as Milan, London, New York, and Los Angeles, Karla Otto represents some of the most prestigious fashion, beauty, and lifestyle brands in the industry.

In 2017, Karla Otto and K2 merged to form The Independents, a global group of agencies for industry leaders across luxury and lifestyle. Currently this group comprises of 17 agencies: Bureau Betak & Bureau Future, Bureau Beatrice, Karla Otto, K2, The Qode, Lefty, Prodject and CTZAR, Atelier LUM, INCA Productions, Atelier Athem, Kennedy, Sunshine, Kitten Production, Kitty Events and Lucien Pages Communication

Our network of expert strategists, designers, planners and publicists work tirelessly to deliver exceptional results and establish 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. We are driven by a shared commitment to excellence and a deep understanding of the ever-evolving industry landscape.

To help support our future growth as an agency, we are looking for a SVP, Talent and Brand Partnerships to join our team based in our London office.

This role is designed to complement our existing VIP Relations and Influencer Division, focusing on talent support, booking, casting for brand campaigns, and strategic partnerships. The ideal candidate will lead initiatives in brand partnerships and strategic planning, ensuring alignment with our global client\’s branding and campaign objectives, with a particular emphasis on the US/UK market. A key focus of this role will be to collaborate closely with the SVP, Talent & VIP Services, to craft a cohesive strategy for our global teams, including mentoring, motivating, and developing team members to foster a culture of excellence and innovation.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and oversee a comprehensive brand partnership strategy that supports Karla Otto\’s global clientele, focusing on brand alignment and campaign objectives.
• Lead talent booking and casting for high-profile brand campaigns, ensuring a seamless match between talent and client brand values.
• Negotiate and finalise contracts and deals with talent, ensuring favourable terms that align with client objectives and budget considerations.
• Collaborate closely with the SVP, Talent & VIP Services, to develop and implement a unified strategy for talent and influencer engagement across global markets.
• Provide strategic guidance to both the talent and the internal teams, identifying and exploring new opportunities for collaboration that enhance brand visibility and engagement.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with talent agencies, management firms, and individual talents, particularly in the US / UK market, to ensure access to top-tier talent for client campaigns.
• Offer support and insights during the strategic planning phases of campaigns, contributing to creative direction with a focus on talent integration.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a dedicated team focused on brand partnerships and management, promoting professional growth and a collaborative, high-performing culture.
• Support new business development by showcasing Karla Otto\’s capabilities and strategic insights in client meetings and pitches.
• Represent Karla Otto at industry events and functions, networking with talent and industry executives to build relationships and promote the agency\’s services.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in talent management, casting, or a related field within the fashion, entertainment, or luxury brand sectors.
• Proven expertise in negotiating contracts and managing relationships with talent, agents, and industry executives.
• Strong understanding of the global fashion and luxury industry landscape, with particular insights into the US market.
• Exceptional networking skills and a well-established network of contacts in the entertainment and fashion industries.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and creatively, with a proven track record of integrating talent into successful brand campaigns.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills, with the ability to mentor and develop talent within the organisation.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, capable of engaging effectively with clients, talent, and internal teams.
• Responsive, client-oriented approach with a commitment to delivering exceptional service and results.
• Discretion and professionalism, with a focus on maintaining confidentiality in all business dealings.

This position offers a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of talent strategy at Karla Otto, working with some of the world\’s most prestigious luxury brands. If you are a visionary leader with a passion for talent management and a deep understanding of the luxury and fashion industries, we invite you to apply.

At Karla Otto, we are always looking for personalities with positive charisma who are enthusiastic, self-motivated, and have a keen sense of aesthetics.

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, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, 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!