Meet the Brandman Leadership Team

Melanie Brandman

Founder & CEO

Melanie Brandman is one of the most trusted and influential figures in the global luxury hospitality and travel industry. As Founder and CEO of Brandman, she represents an exceptionally curated portfolio of the world’s most prestigious hotels, resorts, destinations, and lifestyle brands—many of which set the standard for modern luxury.

Known for her rare combination of strategic foresight and deep industry relationships, Melanie operates at the intersection of brand, media and influence. She is frequently sought out by industry leaders, media and tastemakers for her perspective on where luxury travel is headed and which brands are poised to lead the next chapter. With a reputation for discerning judgment and trusted access, Melanie is known for helping determine which brands rise and how they are seen. Her role extends far beyond traditional public relations; she is a trusted advisor who helps shape narratives, opens doors and elevates brands into the highest echelons of global visibility.

Melanie is also the founder of Travel Curator, a luxury travel media platform reaching more than 675,000 affluent, globally minded travelers, further reinforcing her position as both a curator of taste and a barometer for emerging trends in luxury travel—grounded in firsthand experience of the destinations, properties and experiences that define true luxury.

Her contributions to the industry have been recognized with its most distinguished honors, including the HSMAI Winthrop W. Grice Lifetime Achievement Award for Public Relations.

Originally from Australia, Melanie has lived in the United States for more than 25 years and has traveled to more than 100 countries. Immersed in the world of luxury travel both professionally and personally, she brings a deeply lived, global perspective to every brand she advises.

Kristen Vigrass

President
& COO

She has had the privilege of helping shape Brandman into one of the leading voices in luxury travel communications. She provides high-level counsel across the agency’s global client portfolio. An avid traveler, she has been to every continent on multiple occasions and is always looking for her next new adventure.

Stephanie Krajewski

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT,
GLOBAL CLIENT SERVICE

She consistently delivers high-quality results for her clients which include the world's most prestigious hospitality brands. Her media relationships and strategic oversight have garnered cover stories and prominent placements that have been instrumental in elevating client visibility and retention. Outside of her work, Stephanie is a classically trained singer and mom to three daughters who enjoy going to shows with her.

Shelby Bartemes

MANAGING DIRECTOR,
LOS ANGELES

Known for her high-energy approach and creative perspective, she thrives on building standout campaigns and mentoring the next generation of storytellers. Shelby is a mom of two daughters and is determined to raise confident, compassionate future leaders.

Susie Westwood

MANAGING DIRECTOR,
SYDNEY

Susie has an extensive knowledge of media and PR from all angles, having started her career as a journalist with Condé Nast Publications in Australia, including Vogue Australia, Vogue Entertaining + Travel, and Vogue Living, and later serving as Director of Public Relations for Condé Nast International under Chairman Jonathan Newhouse.

Lee Edelstein

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT,
PARTNERSHIPS AND STRATEGY

His creative approach, grounded in operational knowledge, has informed his work with some of the world’s top luxury and lifestyle travel brands. Through creative storytelling, partnerships and events, Lee consistently delivers top-tier coverage, elevating awareness on a global scale. When he’s not traveling the world, Lee can be found in the gym or watching far too much reality television.

Michael Gartenlaub

VICE PRESIDENT,
Global Media relations

Having worked with many of the world’s leading luxury hotel brands and properties, Michael excels at directing long-term strategy, openings and launches with a fine attention to detail. Based in Florida, Michael leads the agency’s regional, on-the-ground operations. When not traversing the globe, he can be found on the golf course enjoying his new hobby.

Veronica Werhane

VICE PRESIDENT

With an editorial background and a sharp eye for narrative development, she plays a key role in driving media relations, creative storytelling and integrated campaign development. Veronica is known for her collaborative spirit and strategic approach, translating vision into visibility. In her free time, you can find her in the boxing gym.

Ellen Cinque

VICE PRESIDENT, OPERATIONS

Her attention to detail helps maintain organization and productivity while ensuring everyday logistics run smoothly. Ellen enjoys spending her free time traveling with friends and family, including her two daughters who caught the travel bug early in life!

Hillary Conheady

ACCOUNT DIRECTOR

Drawing on her experiences across the hospitality, food and beverage industries, she uses her creative and strategic skills to deliver impactful social content. Hillary drives curated campaigns that are both imaginative and results-driven, expertly ensuring every project stands out. Outside of work, she’s often found at a concert or discovering new coffee shops across Los Angeles.