Global Director of Communications & Engagement

Overview

Kendo Holdings is a San Francisco–based beauty brand developer and wholesaler within the LVMH group, serving as an incubator for next-generation beauty concepts and niche brands distributed through Sephora and selective retail partners. As an entrepreneurial, product-led house, Kendo combines rapid product development, storytelling expertise and retail savvy to scale culturally resonant brands such as Fenty Beauty and Ole Henriksen.

Role & Responsibilities

• Define and execute a unified global communications strategy that integrates earned PR, influencer programs and owned social channels to build cultural relevance and brand equity.
• Lead the brand’s global social media strategy, setting content pillars, tone of voice and platform-specific storytelling for multilingual channels (e.g., Instagram, YouTube).
• Own global governance of visual identity and messaging, providing localization frameworks, translation-ready copy and adaptation guidelines for regional markets.
• Design and implement global PR and influencer strategies, oversee reputation management, crisis communications and major press moments including partnerships and ambassador launches.
• Collaborate with Global Marketing, Media, Creative and E‑Commerce to ensure product launches and campaigns are integrated across owned, earned and paid touchpoints; develop go‑to‑market toolkits and KPI frameworks.
• Drive digital innovation through creator collaborations, social commerce and exploration of emerging platforms (gaming, metaverse applications).
• Manage, mentor and scale a global team of PR, influencer and social specialists, and partner closely with regional marketing leads to ensure consistent storytelling and community engagement.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in marketing, PR or social communications, with at least 4 years of direct influencer marketing experience.
• Proven experience leading and mentoring multidisciplinary, global communications teams.
• Demonstrable relationships across influencer/talent ecosystems or agency partners and experience in influencer program strategy and negotiation.
• Strong track record in crisis communications, reputation management and global governance implementation.
• Analytical orientation with experience defining KPIs and working with consumer insights to optimize earned and owned performance.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, plus demonstrated contract negotiation capability.
• Deep cultural literacy in pop culture and beauty trends, with a proactive, start-up mindset and ability to operate in a fast‑paced environment.

Skills

Experience

Minimum 10 years of professional experience in marketing, PR or social communications, including at least four years specifically focused on influencer marketing and demonstrated experience managing global teams and cross‑regional campaigns.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or a related discipline; advanced degree or equivalent professional experience preferred.

Benefits

Annual bonus; medical, dental and vision insurance; flexible paid time off program; parental leave; employee discount/perks; retirement plan with employer contributions; Summer Fridays; opportunity to work from anywhere for two weeks per year; December wellness/shutdown week; hybrid schedule (in office Tuesday–Thursday, remote Monday and Friday).

Culture

Kendo fosters an entrepreneurial, creatively driven culture that prizes a "can do" spirit, bold storytelling and product excellence. The environment is collaborative and fast‑paced, with a strong emphasis on diversity, inclusion and cultural relevance in how brands show up globally.