Hawkins International Public Relations continues to expand its West Coast operations with the appointment of Alexis Murray-Merriman as Account Director. Drawing upon nearly a decade of bi-coastal experience in communications and much of it in the travel and hospitality realms, Alexis is focused on continuing the growth of Hawkins International’s Los Angeles office through new client opportunities in Los Angeles’ growing hospitality and wellness boom.
Jennifer Hawkins, President of Hawkins International shared, “We’re pleased to welcome Alexis to our LA team. Alexis has a strong background in luxury hospitality, and we love her enthusiasm. She is super verse around both media coasts, which is big plus for our clients. I’m excited to see what she brings to our international team.”
Alexis settled right into the West Coast office, turning her attention to new and long-term hotel and real estate accounts such as Andaz Palm Springs, the vacation company Inspirato, Palmaia Riviera Maya, the real estate uber-luxury Viewpoint Collection, The Sebastian – Vail, Casa Madrona Hotel & Spa, and more.
She joined Hawkins International from HL Group in Los Angeles where she worked on clients including Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Eataly USA, W Hollywood, Orbitz, The Private Suite, the Napa Valley vineyard Rudd Estate, and Burst Oralcare.
Previously, Alexis also worked in NYC-based PR agencies, with focus on travel and hospitality accounts from brands such as Proper Hospitality, Generator Hostels, Pod Hotels, and Playa Hotels & Resorts. Her independent accounts ranged from Refinery Hotel and The New York Palace to Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa and Condado Vanderbilt Hotel. Alexis has also executed successful media-relations campaigns and events for high-profile restaurants, chefs, and boutique properties across the globe.
Alexis earned a Bachelor of Arts in public communications and marketing from American University in Washington, DC. She has made her home in destinations on both coasts such as Miami and San Francisco, as well as in Switzerland, where she spent time learning languages, skiing, and traveling throughout Europe.
Alexis will be an integral part of the team as Hawkins International continues to expand its global, luxury portfolio by attracting new clients and talent. What began as a one-woman shop founded by Jennifer Hawkins in 2002 has grown to a 45-member team between the agency’s New York Headquarters and its West Coast office in Los Angeles, which is led by Managing Director Lucy Zepp and is well on its way to its second anniversary.
