Smith named EVP & Group Director, Brand Marketing Practice at Ogilvy Public Relations NY

Ogilvy Public Relations (Ogilvy PR) announced that Melissa Smith has been named Executive Vice President and Group Director of the agency’s New York Brand Marketing Practice.

Reporting to Ogilvy PR/New York’s Managing Director Dr. Jennifer Scott, Smith is responsible for the strategic direction and growth of the New York Brand Marketing Practice. She will oversee the group’s client accounts, financial performance, talent, and business development initiatives. The Brand Marketing Practice services clients in the areas of brand positioning, product launches, consumer engagement, experiential marketing and media relations.

“I am thrilled to join Ogilvy PR and excited to work with this talented team to grow the brand marketing practice in New York,” said Smith. “Clients are looking for savvy partners to guide them through the competitive, dynamic world of communications, influence and brand building. With the resources and expertise housed in just this one building of the Ogilvy family, we are primed to offer unsurpassed creativity and expertise in consumer insights to current and future clients.”

Previously, Melissa was Executive Vice President and head of the New York office for RL Public Relations + Marketing/Sportivo, a leading independent Hispanic communications firm. For close to a decade, she spearheaded agency-wide business development and managed clients, overseeing strategy and execution for CoverGirl Cosmetics, Delta Airlines, Domino’s Pizza, Heineken USA, Johnnie Walker, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Pantene, and other leading brands. Prior to joining RLPR, Melissa was a Group Vice President at GCI Group in the consumer marketing practice of the New York office, where she led the beauty/lifestyle division supporting such clients as Banana Boat Sunscreen, Payless, Rogaine, and Schick.

Melissa is a founding board member of the New York chapter of the Hispanic Public Relations Association (HPRA), and currently serves on its national board of directors.