Chiara Cortesano

About

I’m a global communications strategist with 12+ years of experience shaping corporate narratives, executive visibility, and high-stakes messaging for iconic brands such as The Estée Lauder Companies and Tiffany & Co. Today, I serve as a fractional partner to founders and executives, translating complex business initiatives into polished, high-impact PR strategies and corporate storytelling that build immediate brand trust. My expertise spans executive speechwriting, media relations, and crafting compelling narratives around innovation, social impact and ESG initiatives. When I'm not helping leaders clarify their message, you can find me traveling, practicing my French, or walking my 4-year-old mini dachshund, Theo, around Greenpoint.

Experience

• Manager – Global Communications & Public Affairs · The Estée Lauder Companies (ELC)01-01-2022 – 08-31-2025

  Led global sustainability and corporate affairs communications, positioning executives as thought leaders and strengthening brand credibility through earned storytelling and cross-functional campaigns. Led ELC’s flagship Earth Day campaigns (2024 & 2025), generating 94K+ impressions, 3.17M UVM, 8 earned media articles, and a 270+ person global employee event; extended ROI by repurposing hero content year-round. Elevated CSO executive visibility by securing 14 external speaking opportunities in 2023 (up from 6 in 2022), 41 media placements, and a Fast Company CSO profile. Developed external communications strategy for ELC's AI and advanced technology initiatives; crafted messaging and partner storytelling for Bloomberg Businessweek feature highlighting ELC's Microsoft collaboration. Led ELC’s Climate Week NYC communications for three consecutive years across executive narrative, press materials, and multi-channel content, delivering 10+ executive engagements annually amid shifting sponsorship tiers. Led communications for ELC’s annual Social Impact & Sustainability Report, strengthening clarity and consistency of climate and social commitments across owned and earned channels. Drove cross-functional story mining with R&D, Supply Chain, and Brand Comms to spotlight packaging innovation (incl. the Tom Ford Plastic Innovation Prize), reinforcing broader corporate narratives. Managed and developed a direct report, advancing capabilities in media relations, internal communications, and social copywriting.

• Assistant Manager – Global PR, Corporate Communications · Tiffany & Co.02-01-2016 – 12-31-2021

  Drove global PR and corporate communications across luxury, sustainability, and brand initiatives, partnering with senior leadership to strengthen reputation and deliver cohesive storytelling. Led PR strategy and press execution for corporate milestones and brand initiatives, increasing top-tier business, lifestyle, and trade coverage through proactive pitching and relationship management. Advanced Tiffany’s ESG storytelling (incl. diamond provenance and responsible sourcing), translating technical topics into clear narratives aligned to brand values and stakeholder expectations. Developed executive materials for the CEO, CSO, and senior leadership (speeches, messaging frameworks, interview briefs), supporting high-visibility moments across global markets. Built reporting dashboards and KPI frameworks to measure PR impact and sharpen future strategy.

• Consultant – Global PR, Strategy & Development (Contract Role) · Tiffany & Co.01-01-2016 – 12-31-2017

  Developed creative briefs, event directives, and press materials to enable consistent storytelling across regions and launches. Supported high-profile media and influencer moments in key markets, ensuring strong execution and partner experience.

• Executive Assistant · SCOTT RUDIN PRODUCTIONS11-01-2015 – 03-31-2016
• Account Coordinator · BWR PUBLIC RELATIONS06-01-2015 – 11-30-2015
• Talent Relations Coordinator · TRIBECA ENTERPRISES01-01-2015 – 05-31-2015
• Junior Account Executive · PIVOTAL PUBLIC RELATIONS10-01-2012 – 11-30-2014

Education

• Flagler CollegeBachelor of Arts, Communications (Public Relations & Advertising)

Similar talent on Pangea

Stefanie S.Fractional Communications Consultant | Internal Comms, PR & Marketing Strategy | Helping Teams Communicate with Clarity and ImpactKnoxville, TNRRobert D.Communications Executive & Trusted C-Suite Counselor | Driving Strategic Storytelling, Reputation & Crisis Management for B2B Brands and Fortune 100/500 LeadersNew Hope, PA 18938Emily H.Social & Creative Executive | Strategy, Content & Influencer Partnerships | Growth Marketing & Leadership | Fractional & In-HouseLos Angeles, CACCynthia G.Fractional Health Communications Professional with Expertise in Pharma Launches, MLR, Advocacy, and Corporate Reputation Management