NEW YORK: Italian luxury watch-making brand Officine Panerai hired Michele Gallagher as PR director for Panerai North America. In the role, she will oversee media relations and PR and focus on growing the brand's visibility and recognition within the luxury category. She will report directly to Panerai North America President, Alexandra Zoller. Most recently, she was VP of marketing and communications at Judith Leiber. The Richemont Group acquired Panerai in 1997.