Virginia DeSimone
LOS ANGELES,CA
Summary
Strategic and creative public relations leader with a proven track record in media relations, executive positioning, and brand storytelling within the health and wellness, beverage and lifestyle industries. Adept at securing high-impact press coverage, developing thought leadership initiatives, and driving brand reputation and consumer engagement. Expertise in cross-functional collaboration and team leadership. Passionate about leveraging communications to build brand awareness, strengthen industry influence, and foster sustainable business growth.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Founder & CEO
Greige Communications LLC
08.2022 - Current
- Built and executed PR and marketing strategies for health and wellness, lifestyle and beverage brands, including De Soi, Gratsi, AMASS, and Wolves Whiskey, driving brand awareness and consumer engagement.
- For De Soi, a non-alcoholic apéritif brand co-founded by Katy Perry, secured 134 press mentions in six months, reaching 2.15 billion media impressions in Forbes, Vogue, Glamour, LA Times, and NBC’s Today Show.
- For Wolves Whiskey, secured 292 media placements in 12 months, generating 723 million impressions in Forbes, Robb Report, GQ, and Men’s Health while winning 13 industry awards, including LA, SF, and New Orleans Spirits Competitions.
- Positioned brand executives as thought leaders through strategic podcast placements and high-profile media interviews, strengthening brand authority.
Partner
Nouvelle Noir
11.2021 - 07.2022
- Led PR and brand communications strategies for beverage, wellness, and lifestyle brands, including AMASS, Winc, Reggie Pet Wellness Supplements and Open Nest Labs cannabis venture studios.
- Managed Director of PR, overseeing strategy, execution, and media outreach to ensure consistent brand storytelling and engagement.
- Developed compelling thought leadership initiatives for brand executives, securing high-profile speaking engagements, panel features, and media interviews.
- Built and executed cross-functional marketing and PR campaigns, integrating influencer collaborations, media partnerships, and digital activations to amplify brand presence.
Director of PR & Partnerships
AMASS Brands Group
10.2018 - 11.2021
- Secured 450+ media placements, driving 4.5B+ media impressions across The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, and Forbes.
- Built and led a PR team to develop and manage an engaged network of 600+ influencers and tastemakers, amplifying brand reach and credibility through strategic partnerships and content collaborations.
- Launched the brand on Revolve, Verishop, Carbon38, Food52, and Huckberry, expanding retail footprint.
- Developed and executed multi-channel marketing campaigns across PR, social media, and digital platforms.
PR, Marketing and Communications Manager
DERMA E
11.2007 - 06.2017
- Led PR and marketing strategies, increasing media placements by 48% YoY and securing $5M+ in EMV annually.
- Launched influencer marketing programs, driving $1.1M EMV through brand events like Malibu Zen House (#zeninthebu).
- Managed external US & UK PR and social media agencies, aligning messaging across digital and traditional channels.
- Developed strategic partnerships and activations that strengthened brand presence and consumer loyalty.
Education
Master of Arts - Social And Market Research
University of Westminster
London, UKBachelor of Arts - Communications Studies
University of San Diego
San DiegoSkills
- Public Relations & Media Strategy
- Beverage Industry PR & Marketing
- Executive Thought Leadership & Positioning
- Press Materials Development & Messaging
- Budget & Agency Management
- Strategic Brand Storytelling
- Influencer & Partnership Marketing
- Cross-Functional Leadership
- Event Planning & Brand Activations
- Media Database Management
Timeline
Founder & CEO
Greige Communications LLC
08.2022 - Current
Partner
Nouvelle Noir
11.2021 - 07.2022
Director of PR & Partnerships
AMASS Brands Group
10.2018 - 11.2021
PR, Marketing and Communications Manager
DERMA E
11.2007 - 06.2017
Master of Arts - Social And Market Research
University of Westminster
Bachelor of Arts - Communications Studies
University of San Diego
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