Marketing & Client Engagement Director Middle East (Luxury Fashion)

Our client, a globally respected luxury fashion house, is seeking an exceptional Marketing & Client Engagement Director to lead the brand’s strategic visibility, shape its regional presence, and elevate client loyalty through world-class experiential initiatives. This senior role oversees all external communications, media relations, VIP engagement, and high-level events for the Middle East, while maintaining a hands-on, operational approach to ensure flawless execution.

The ideal candidate combines senior leadership experience with the agility and passion to execute directly, particularly across key markets such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar. This is a role for a seasoned communicator and brand custodian who thrives in luxury environments and understands the nuances of engaging UHNW clientele.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic PR & Communications Leadership

• Develop and execute a comprehensive PR and communications strategy for the region, aligned with global brand direction and long-term commercial priorities.
• Act as the primary spokesperson and media liaison, managing all press interactions, interviews, crisis communications, and media opportunities.
• Strengthen relationships with top-tier editors, fashion media, stylists, cultural institutions, and opinion leaders to secure premium coverage and elevate brand desirability.
• Oversee the creation, approval, and localisation of press releases, statements, and campaign communication materials.
• Lead regional media monitoring, analysis, and reporting to inform strategic decisions and refine messaging.
• Ensure consistent brand narrative and visual identity across all communication channels.

High-Impact Events & Brand Experiences

• Lead the vision, planning, and delivery of flagship regional events: runway activations, press showcases, VIP client dinners, capsule collection launches, and immersive experiences.
• Build concepts that reflect the brand’s heritage while pushing boundaries in innovation, storytelling, and experiential luxury.
• Manage full event operations, including budgets, production agencies, guest lists, seating, logistics, and crisis planning.
• Oversee execution personally during high-stakes events to guarantee best-in-class luxury standards.
• Create post-event performance analytics, client impact insights, and qualitative feedback to measure ROI.

Client Engagement, VIP Relations & UHNW Strategy

• Drive the regional client engagement strategy targeting UHNWIs, private clients, brand advocates, and high-potential prospects.
• Partner with retail and CRM teams to design personalised client journeys, exclusive previews, gifting programs, and high-touch experiences.
• Maintain strong personal relationships with key clients, ensuring the brand remains top-of-mind for special occasions and bespoke services.
• Oversee VIP appointments, styling sessions, client travel schedules, and private presentations, ensuring discretion and seamless hospitality.
• Work with global CRM to utilise client intelligence, segmentation insights, and data-led opportunities to deepen loyalty.

Digital Communications & Influencer Partnerships

• Guide influencer strategy, ensuring collaborations align with brand prestige and deliver measurable awareness.
• Approve influencer briefs, content plans, and brand messaging for accuracy and consistency.
• Identify key cultural moments, regional trends, and partnership opportunities that strengthen digital visibility.
• Oversee localisation of global digital communications for the Middle East audience.

Leadership, Governance & Cross-Functional Alignment

• Lead and mentor the PR, events, and client engagement team, ensuring clear KPIs, development plans, and operational excellence.
• Manage budgets across PR, events, and client engagement with strategic oversight and financial discipline.
• Work closely with marketing, retail, visual merchandising, merchandising, and e-commerce teams to ensure integrated brand execution.
• Act as a bridge between the global communications team and the regional market, representing regional insights at HQ level.
• Safeguard brand image, cultural relevance, and communications compliance across all activations and internal touchpoints.

Requirements

• 8–12 years of experience in luxury fashion, luxury goods, with at least 3–5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Strong track record leading PR strategy, executing large-scale luxury events, and working directly with UHNW/VIP clientele.
• Deep network of media, influencers, stylists, and cultural stakeholders across the Middle East.
• Proven ability to manage teams while remaining hands-on and operational when required.
• Strong business acumen, strategic thinking, and ability to influence senior stakeholders.
• Polished communication, negotiation, and crisis management skills.
• High discretion, cultural intelligence, and comfort operating in a fast-paced, high-expectation luxury environment.
• Arabic Speaker