Lou Rena Hammond

Lou Hammond launched the firm in 1984 with three clients and three employees. Under her guidance, Lou Hammond Group now has 40+ employees, 50 prestigious clients, and offices in New York, Charleston, Houston, Denver, Miami, Atlanta, and Tampa.

Over the past 38 years, the firm has built a reputation as an award-winning leader in marketing and public relations for a broad sector of clients in travel, lifestyle, hospitality, economic development, the arts, nonprofit, and technology. The firm’s capabilities have expanded to include branding, digital marketing, creative services, and strategic planning.

As Founding Chairman, Lou ensures that the firm remains true to the core principles upon which it was founded: independence, integrity, and the highest standards of excellence. A tireless globetrotter, she has built enduring relationships with clients, the media, and community leaders. With firsthand knowledge of worldwide markets, she has global contacts and relationships with government agencies and opinion leaders.

Lou began her career in public relations and public affairs with Pan American World Airways. During her 12 years with the airline, she traveled the world and participated in many historic ‘firsts,’ including the premier press trip to China. As Director of Publicity, Promotion, and Public Affairs, Lou developed her specialty in marketing to sophisticated, upscale travelers. She also served as Public Affairs Officer for the city and state of New York.

Lou has been recognized for her leadership in both the communications and travel industries. She was honored with the prestigious Matrix Award from Women in Communications; the Winthrop W. Grice Award, the highest honor from Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International; and the Golden Pineapple from the Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau for generating noteworthy media coverage for the city. Lou also was named to the PR News Hall of Fame and was cited in Who’s Who in America for the past 20 years.

Active in civic affairs, Lou sits on the boards of Spoleto Festival the USA; Director Emeritus, Medical University of South Carolina Foundation, the Gibbes Museum of Art and serves on the Advisory Board of The Hollings Cancer Center.