As Vice President, Jaclyn maintains a decade of experience in luxury, spirits, and hospitality PR working across a variety of brands from food and beverage to travel and everything in between. Prior to joining the 5th Column, Jaclyn served as Vice President of DKC’s lifestyle and hospitality divisions where she led the communications strategy for clients including Belvedere Vodka, 1 Hotels, Lotte New York Palace, Don Papa Rum, Courvoisier, and more. Jaclyn has experience working on brands such as Cointreau, Kim Crawford, St-Germain, Martini sparkling wines & vermouth, and E. Guigal from her time at Nike Communications. Jaclyn has also worked on Champagne Nicholas Feuillatte, the William Grant & Sons portfolio (Hendrick's Gin, Milagro Tequila) and the Moet Hennessy Estates & Wines portfolio (Cloudy Bay, Chandon, Terrazas, Newtown, etc. ) during her time at the Magrino Agency. Jaclyn graduated magna cum laude from the University of Miami with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications and double majored in Psychology. In 2014, Jaclyn was named by the New York Observer as one of “9 Names to Watch in PR.”
Books: The Four Agreements and Tribe of Mentors;
Podcasts: How I Built This
Instead of worrying about what you cannot control, shift your energy to what you can create
My sister in law! She is the chicest.What item can’t you live without? My eye mask to sleep :)
The people! Both my colleagues and clients are truly amazing people. I feel very lucky to do what I love!
Akbar is a true leader of the next generation in public relations, communications, social media and marketing. He has taken his global cultural perspective, business acumen and experience at leading public relations agencies to build a creative communications consultancy that challenges the traditional PR agency model. Keeping each client’s bottom line of increased sales and growth in mind has resulted in strong communication campaigns and brand launches that have made clients leaders and innovators in their respective industries.
Akbar's expertise spans across sectors with strong knowledge and experience in hospitality, spirits, fashion, beauty, luxury lifestyle, technology and corporate communications. The agency has worked with and currently represents some of the top brands in the world including Rémy Martin, Belvedere Vodka, Champagne Bollinger, Van Cleef & Arpels, Montblanc, Publicis Sapient, iFlix, Carbon38, Boxed, The Dalmore Whisky and more.
Akbar was born in Michigan and grew up internationally in both Pakistan and the Middle East. He studied International Relations & French at Tulane University and pivoted from a career path in diplomacy to public relations and marketing having previously worked at Peppercomm, Quintessentially, Harrison & Shriftman, Nike Communications and Mission Media before founding The 5th Column in 2015.
Akbar has worked on major global initiatives and campaigns for clients including Grey Goose Vodka, W Hotels, Mr. Chow, Nikki Beach Worldwide, Publicis Sapient, Van Cleef & Arpels, Champagne Bollinger, Montblanc, Dewar's Whisky, Rémy Martin, (RED), Americares, the United Nations and a number of LVMH brands including: Möet & Chandon, Belvedere Vodka, Ardbeg & Glenmorangie. Additionally, Akbar has worked on and executed large scale experiential events for clients at the Golden Globes, Academy Awards, Art Basel Miami, New York + Paris Fashion Weeks, TED conferences, and more.
Heart Talk by Cleo Wade - and podcast "On Purpose" Jay Shetty
Always lead with LOVE and you will always succeed
Pelayo Diaz (@pelayodiaz)
My Nespresso machine!
My team, the 5C family, and doing incredible work for our clients together
