Melissa Couch

About Melissa Couch

I lead corporate communications and PR for Sotheby\'s International Realty, where I\'ve achieved and maintained #1 share of voice against all competitors in the luxury real estate space.I develop communications strategies that protect and enhance brand reputation, staff C-suite executives for high-stakes media interviews, and build lasting relationships with reporters at The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, and other top-tier outlets. I\'ve also led corporate initiatives like our Luxury Outlook Report, which positioned the brand as a trusted industry resource for consumers and generated significant media coverage.My background spans luxury real estate, hospitality, consumer products, and spirits - industries where storytelling and reputation management are everything. I\'m drawn to brands with authentic missions and love the challenge of crafting narratives that resonate with both media and audiences.

Experience

1. Director of Communications and Public Relations

   Sotheby's International Realty

   Mar 2025 — Present

   Develop and execute annual public relations strategies that position Sotheby\'s International Realty as the dominant voice in luxury real estate; consistently maintained the #1 share of voice versus all competitors since joining the company• Optimized internal corporate communications distributed to global network spanning more than 80 countries and territories; implemented smart brevity approach that increased readership and engagement by 10%, resulting in a more engaged and informed affiliate network• Lead corporate initiatives that enhance and protect brand reputation, including issues management, crisis communications, and rapid response efforts• Staff and brief C-suite executives for media interviews, speaking engagements, and public appearances, providing strategic counsel, message development, and preparation materials• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with reporters at leading consumer and business publications including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, CNBC, Forbes, Travel + Leisure, etc.• Oversee tracking and measurement of campaigns, reporting results and ROI to leadership team• Spearheaded development and launch of the brand\'s inaugural Luxury Outlook Report, a comprehensive analysis of global luxury real estate market trends; collaborated with external agencies to produce the report and achieved significant media coverage and industry recognition, leading to expansion to biannual publication schedule• Led PR and communications initiatives that contributed to multiple industry awards for brand leadership and communications excellence

Education

• Fairleigh Dickinson University

  Bachelor of Arts, Communication Studies, Public Relations

  2005 — 2009

Skills

• Press Releases
• Media Relations
• Integrated Marketing
• Public Relations
• Social Media
• Pitching Media
• Trade Shows
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Cision
• Message Development