Inspiring action with compelling brand story telling, Lori Simmons Zelenko is an award-winning writer/editor/producer able to create messaging that drives change and excitement for brands large and small. Currently the founding editor of PET LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE (www.petlifestylesmagazine.com), she is starting a media brand from the ground up.
As a marketing communications professional she has created initiatives for highly visible as well as emerging brands developing a demonstrable track record in both editorial and marketing communications as well as business development, special events, digital and video production. Given an exceptional ability to energize target audiences she has worked closely with innovators, entrepreneurs and visionary leaders across lifestyle categories.
Beginning her career as an editor a path she continues to this day, Ms. Zelenko honed exceptional writing skills making her adept at discerning, creating and developing brand messages across platforms....print, digital and video.
During her decade-long tenure with Finn Partners, global marketing communications agency, Ms. Zelenko earned the PR Oscar/Silver Anvil for producing The World’s Largest Grilled Cheese for Kraft Foods. The initiative received 240 TV hits worldwide, coverage on CNN and global print exposure via AP wire service.
Additionally, she earned a Mercury Award for the coverage generated for the launch of the first Hispanic fragrance, Mambo from Liz Claiborne Fragrances, which earned front page coverage in The Wall Street Journal setting off a national media feeding frenzy. She received The Ruder Finn Zucker Award for Outstanding Creativity for her production of The Search for Missing Kids for search engine Lycos which generated a one hour ABC-TV special and resulted in the return of a “missing kid” featured in the event’s visuals, a giant website in Bryant Park all chronicled by PEOPLE MAGAZINE.
Ms. Zelenko successfully introduced Go Red For Women for The American Heart Association generating immensely valuable print and broadcast exposure as well as producing special events for VIP doctors and celebrities including actress/ Go Red Spokesperson Daryl Hannah.
Subsequent health and wellness initiatives included the launch of CLAY Health Club and Spa, the first NYC mind/body destination, and the introduction of OKEANOS, the only luxurious Russian Spa in NYC. Located in midtown the spa offered the traditional therapy, banya; the spa's luxe environment attracted celebrity guests, famed NY Rangers and exceptional Russian ballet dancers performing at Lincoln Center with ABT. Ms. Zelenko secured brand partnerships with ZYR Russian Vodka and Petrossian Caviar leveraging these luxury connections to secure experiential exposure in national and global media.
As PR Director for Parlux Fragrances, Inc. for five years, Ms. Zelenko generated tremendous buzz and widespread print and broadcast media coverage for the launch of celebrity fragrances from Rihanna, Paris Hilton and Jessica Simpson handing extensive media outreach/retail appearances for these personalities. Ms. Zelenko created the brand language used in sales materials and other promotional endeavors working closely with the sales and marketing team on targeted initiatives developing a coordinated effort to drive in store traffic at designated retail venues nationwide.
Sales for Rihanna’s first fragrance were record breaking. The goal of restoring luster to Parlux was achieved allowing its eventual sale to Perfumania.
Ms. Zelenko’s bold, creative thinking has allowed her to develop effective content strategies as well as continue to contribute cover stories and in-depth feature articles to such media outlets as MILLENNIUM Magazine, MANN REPORT - Residential, Fashion Mannuscript, Caviar Affair, Art Bodega, American Artist, Interiors, Hamptons, L’Officiel USA, and Hearst Corporation.
Contact: Lori Zelenko at 917-693-8602 Instagram/Twitter: @lsz400