The C&R Story
An award-winning PR agency with an increasingly global footprint, C&R develops comprehensive campaigns that deliver high-impact messages and secure premium media accolades.
Our Agency
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Our Team
Spencer Castillo
Co-Founder
A leading authority on luxury real estate PR, San Diego native Spencer built a career working at some of the best agencies in the country and leading a variety of different campaigns—from blue-chip brands to real estate and hospitality—before co-founding C&R in 2009. Over his 14-plus years of experience, he has been instrumental in representing more than 50 real estate ventures throughout the U.S. and Mexico, contributing to more than $750 million in sales volume. He has also represented hospitality projects the globe over, and has the passport to prove it – having traveled all over Europe, Asia, South America and South Africa. When he’s not strategizing with clients or conceptualizing a new campaign, Spencer can be found spending time with his family, catching a live show or a Clippers game, or out on the golf course for a quick 9.
Pieter Ruig
Co-Founder
Having spent his formative years spanning three continents, it’s little surprise that Pieter would gravitate toward a career that keeps him always on the move and discovering new places. As co-founder of C&R, he has managed public relations campaigns for globally recognized luxury travel, golf and resort real estate projects. He’s also launched and led projects in Tokyo, Florence, Shanghai, and throughout the U.S. and Mexico. Pieter’s expertise in international properties underscores a keen understanding of the global customer and an awareness of the often-subtle differences in individual media markets. While Pieter is a bonafide globetrotter, having been to over 50 countries and counting, he’s perfectly content these days staying local in L.A. with his family – hosting barbeques, going to the Farmer’s Market on Larchmont, and walking their English Bulldog, Gracie.
Pieter Ruig
Co-Founder
Having spent his formative years spanning three continents, it’s little surprise that Pieter would gravitate toward a career that keeps him always on the move and discovering new places. As co-founder of C&R, he has managed public relations campaigns for globally recognized luxury travel, golf and resort real estate projects. He’s also launched and led projects in Tokyo, Florence, Shanghai, and throughout the U.S. and Mexico Pieter’s expertise in international properties underscores a keen understanding of the global customer and an awareness of the often-subtle differences in individual media markets. While Pieter is a bonafide globetrotter, having been to over 50 countries and counting, he’s perfectly content these days staying local in L.A. with his family – hosting barbeques, going to the Farmer’s Market on Larchmont, and walking their English Bulldog, Gracie.
Bruce Wallin
Chief Content Officer
As the longtime editorial director and resident travel expert at Robb Report, Bruce has covered everything from adventure lodges in Patagonia to private islands in Fiji. His passion for travel (he also founded Trip magazine back in the 1990s) comes through in every print, digital, social, and video project he produces. With the launch of C&R Content, he hopes to bring that energy and expertise to C&R’s clients—and have some new adventures along the way.
Ali Stanley Ostridge
Vice President
Ali discovered her passion for hospitality PR when she realized it encompassed everything she loved: destination travel, tackling new challenges and meeting really amazing people. In her role as Vice President at C&R, she splits her time between client services and growing the agency. When she’s not working, you’ll find her posted up at A.O.C. enjoying a French varietal – and likely planning her next trip.
Meredith Strodel
Vice President
10-plus years of experience working with top-tier PR and media clients based everywhere from the Middle East to Europe and Mexico has found this Hunter College grad and former New Yorker at the top of her game. In her current role, Meredith leads strategic media campaigns for many of C&R’s hospitality clients. Oh, and did we mention she also runs an Instagram account dedicated to hammocks? Yep, check out @hammockliving.
Margaret Thomas
Lead Strategist/Media Specialist
Margaret is a seasoned public relations professional with more than 15 years of experience promoting real estate developments and resort brands top writers and editors. In her previous lives, she was a TV news reporter in the midwest and a field hockey star. Today she loves swim meets, softball games and yoga.
Claire Marshall
Senior Account Supervisor
An architecture aficionado well versed in journalism, PR and urban studies, Claire excels as an expert in all things media—from pitching to press releases to drafting client reports. A true people person who loves getting to know both her clients and those reporting on them, Claire relishes her role working on a number of the agency’s real estate accounts.
Jamie Gnazzo
Account Supervisor
Since graduating from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (go Heels!), Jamie has gained 8+ years of experience leading communication strategy, media relations and partnership development for clients ranging from luxury boutique hotels and destinations to independent restaurants and more. The daughter of a pilot, Jamie is no stranger to the urge for travel and the importance of a well-packed suitcase, with passport stamps from Southeast Asia, Europe and the Caribbean. When she's not working or planning her next adventure abroad, Jamie enjoys playing tennis, hiking and learning to cook new recipes.
Macy Bales
Account Supervisor
Born and raised in Dallas, Macy brings a natural passion and 360-degree approach to the team at C&R. With over 5 years of experience within the luxury hospitality, culinary and real estate space, Macy’s led award-winning campaigns for leading hospitality brands including Relais & Châteaux, Marriott’s Autograph Collection, Hilton’s Curio Collection, Kimpton Hotels and more. Macy regularly secures press and award nominations within coveted top outlets such as The New York Times, Robb Report, Travel + Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, Architectural Digest, Food & Wine and more.
Katie Elicker
Senior Account Executive
A California native and graduate of UC Santa Barbara, Katie brings a wealth of hospitality and lifestyle public relations experience to C&R. A storyteller at heart, Katie enjoys finding new and creative ways to position her clients to the media, securing meaningful press, and developing PR strategy. In her spare time, you can find Katie on the hunt for a new happy hour spot and consuming all things pop culture.
Alexandra West
Senior Account Executive
Alix comes from the world of fashion, working with high-end designers including Chanel and Tory Burch. Prior to graduating from USC (go Trojans!), Alix also studied abroad at the London School of Economics, University of St. Andrews in Scotland and the American University of Paris; so, it is safe to say travel is in her blood. Her can-do attitude, deadline-driven spirit and contagious smile makes her a C&R favorite of both media and clients.
Hayley Child
Senior Account Executive
Hayley is a Maryland native and Cornell University graduate with a passion for travel and writing. She comes from the world of destination marketing, where she used public relations to drive tourism, talent and business to key markets across the country. Hayley loves media relations and is known for securing meaningful and impactful media placements. On the weekends, you can find her hiking and skiing the mountains of Colorado or scoping out Denver’s best breweries.
Charlotte Jones
Senior Account Executive
Charlotte is a current New Yorker, proud St. Louis native, and graduate of Georgetown University. With many years of experience representing clients across a variety of industries, she combines her passions for travel and writing at C&R through creating impactful press materials and securing meaningful coverage for her clients. Charlotte cultivated her love of travel from an early age by visiting relatives across the world, and later during various study abroad trips. An avid photographer and explorer, Charlotte is happiest in the mountains with a camera in hand!
Bo Wood
Senior Account Executive
Entrenched in the golf industry for more than a decade, Bo joins the C&R team after working alongside world golf hall of famers and at private luxury communities. He's helped lead communications efforts for golf events around the world, including countries like South Africa, Japan and the UAE. An avid sports fan and writer, Bo also is a contributor for Sports Illustrated's Morning Read publication and is a member of the Golf Writer's Association of America.
Emily Rutherford
Account Executive
Chicago born and raised, Emily grew up exploring the city’s culinary scene and visiting her relatives living around the globe. Add in a journalism degree, and hospitality PR was a natural fit. Emily has worked with restaurants, hotels and destinations across the globe where she enjoys working alongside media, big picture planning and creative storytelling.
Awards
The work we do on behalf of our clients reflects our highly personal, results-oriented and relationship-driven approach. We are honored to be recognized.
Inc. 5000
Named one of America’s Fastest-growing Private Companies in 2018, 2019, and 2020.
PRSA LOS ANGELES PRISM AWARD
Client: Gary Player
Category: Sports Athlete
Submission: Gary Player Campaign A Global Business Icon at 78
LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL TOP PUBLIC RELATIONS FIRMS
Category: Los Angeles Business Journal Top Public Relations Firms 2014 – 2019
2018 HSMAI ADRIAN AWARDS WINNER – GOLD
Client: Four Seasons Hotel
Category: Urban Glamping at the Beverly Wilshire
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