Lia Berger
Summary
I bring a decade of public relations and hospitality experience to the table, working with restaurants and food & beverage brands to tell their stories and position them for success. I began my career leading PR strategy for restaurants and chefs including Rezdôra (three NYT stars, one Michelin Star), Marcus Samuelsson and Richard Blais as well as consumer brands like OddFellows Ice Cream and Mike's Hot Honey. My interest in how culinary and cultural trends translate to consumer goods connected me to Isetta where I led strategy for F&B brands including Omsom, Alec's Ice Cream, Ghia, Madre Mezcal, Chopin Vodka, and Kasama Rum. In addition, I specialize in culinary consulting with a focus on food & beverage development advising clients on restaurant concepts, menus, wine lists, and service. I have traveled extensively and have an unparalleled understanding of hospitality and service internationally.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Director
ISETTA
New York
05.2020 - 09.2023
- Managed and retained a diverse roster of CPG clients in the lifestyle place including F&B, fashion, and cannabis
- Notable clients include: Omsom, Ghia, Madre Mezcal, Kasama Rum, Chopin Vodka, OFFHOURS, Great Jones Kitchenware, Pineapple Collaborative, and Alec's Ice Cream
- Led and supervised a team of 8 people ranging from interns to high-level staff members, ensuring smooth coordination and efficient workflow
- Developed and nurtured strong relationships with founders, CEO's, and stakeholders fostering trust and establishing credibility in the industry
- Spearheaded strategic PR outreach initiatives to secure coverage in outlets that include: The New York Times, The Today Show, Fast Company, Forbes, Modern Retail, Business Insider, TechCrunch, CNN Underscored, AdWeek, Vogue, Vanity Fair, InStyle, SELF, Goop, The Coveteur, Clever, Apartment Therapy, The Kitchn, Gear Patrol, and more
- Provided expert guidance on affiliate program best practices and management, leveraging data-driven insights from Google Analytics performance and SkimLinks reports to optimize client revenue
- Acted as an agent for clients including meticulously vetting potential opportunities and skillfully negotiating favorable terms and fees on behalf of clients for brand partnerships and TV deals
- Developed compelling brand positioning strategies and crafted persuasive copy that effectively communicated clients' unique identities and value propositions
- Oversaw new business inquiries, taking the lead in drafting proposals and delivering engaging pitches to prospective clients
- Managed the hiring process by conducting interviews to evaluate candidates' qualifications and assetings their experience through thorough reference checks.
Culinary Consultant
BLANK PAGE HOSPITALITY
01.2023 - Current
- Developed a strategic and tailored culinary consulting practice for restaurant clients including: market research, concept development, concept design, brand positioning + identity, talent scouting, menu development, menu optimization, operational infrastructure, staff training, project management.
- Leveraged network to build strategic relationships including experts in public relations, branding, operations, suppliers, investors, architects, designers, social media, and photography.
- Led public relations and social media strategy for hospitality clients.
- Worked with hospitality clients internationally, most recently with a concept overahul in Mexico City.
Intern to Senior Account Director
BALTZ & COMPANY
New York
06.2015 - 03.2020
- Successfully handled a diverse roster of over 10 clients including celebrity chefs, restaurants, and speciality products including Marcus Samuelsson, Richard Blais, Floyd Cardoz, Jose Garces, Jordan Andino, Rezdôra, Red Rooster, Tuome, Father's Office, OddFellows Ice Cream, Mike's Hot Honey, and Nomikai Canned Wine
- Managed a dynamic team of 2-5 people ranging from interns to mid-level staff ensuring efficient collaboration and optimal performance
- Orchestrated comprehensive PR outreach strategies, leveraging personal connections with media outlets across print, digital, and social platforms
- Successfully secured coverage in publications such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, New York Magazine, The LA Times, The Today Show, Good Morning America, Bon Appetit, Food & Wine, Vogue, Vanity Fair, InStyle, People, Travel + Leisure, Departures, and more
- Devised and executed innovative social media campaigns leveraging influencer events to maximize client exposure on various social platforms
- Provided expert guidance to clients on branding strategies and identified lucrative partnership opportunities
- Successfully secured client participation and managed seamless coordination for events and festivals including New York City Wine & Food, South Beach Wine & Food, Aspen Wine & Food, New York Taste, and All Star Chef Classic
- Proactively networked to cultivate profitable relationships and secure new business opportunities, contributing to the agency's growth and success.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Public Relations & Minor in Art History -
Boston University
01.2015
Skills
- Media Relations
- F&B Industry Knowledge
- Account & Client Management
- Client Retention
- Team Management
- Story Pitching
- Verbal and Written Communication
- Affiliate Marketing
- Creative Direction
- Brand Positioning
- CPG/DTC Industry Knowledge
- Staff Development
- Project Coordination
- Strategic Planning
Accomplishments
- Wine & Spirit Education Trust - Level 2 Certification
- Harvard University - The Art of Mixology Bartending and TIPS Certification
Timeline
Culinary Consultant
BLANK PAGE HOSPITALITY
01.2023 - Current
Senior Director
ISETTA
05.2020 - 09.2023
Intern to Senior Account Director
BALTZ & COMPANY
06.2015 - 03.2020
Bachelor of Science in Public Relations & Minor in Art History -
Boston University