How One Woman’s PR Dream Became a Regional Force – Meet the All-Female Team Behind KPR’s Rise
When Ellie Keene first launched her boutique PR agency back in 2019, it was just her, a laptop, and a few loyal clients. “It paid the bills, and I was happy with that,” she says, recalling those early days. “I just wanted to do great work with great people. That was always the goal.”
Fast forward six years, and that one-woman show has grown into KPR an all-female powerhouse of PR talent with a client roster that stretches across the GCC, and now Saudi Arabia. It’s still boutique in size, but mighty in energy, with a fierce loyalty to its ‘under promise, over deliver’ approach.
What started as Keene PR has now become KPR a small shift in name, but a big statement in intent. It’s about growth, about clarity, and about honouring the fact that this agency is no longer just about one woman’s vision, but the collective brilliance of the team that now powers it.
“I didn’t want the brand to feel like it was just me anymore,” Ellie explains. “KPR is about all of us now. The team is the beating heart of everything we do.”
And what a team it is. Based in Dubai, KPR is now seven women strong. Alongside Ellie, there’s Hannah Castleton (Junior Account Director), Sarah Daud (Account Manager), Melissa Whitehead (Account Manager), Abby Slattery (Senior Account Executive), Nikki Fajardo (Account Executive), and their latest hire, Pearl Fernandes (Account Executive). Each one brings their own flavour and experience to the mix, creating a deliciously dynamic, driven and unshakably supportive team culture.
In those six years, the agency has weathered a pandemic, expanded into new markets, and steadily built a reputation for being the kind of agency that always just gets the job done, with a smile on their face. The team remains proudly boutique in size, but big on ambition, and even bigger on relationships.
“The relationships we’ve built, with our clients, with media, and with each other, are the reason we’re still standing and growing and is what also sets us apart from the rest,” says Ellie. “
KPR’s evolution has been anything but accidental. It reflects years of relationship-building, creative campaigns, and thoughtful storytelling. And the rebrand? It’s a bold statement: this agency is ready to take up more space.
“We’ve always had a playful, creative approach,” says Ellie, “but now we’re sharpening it. We want our tone to stay fun, but with a little more refinement as we step into this next chapter.”
This next chapter includes crossing borders. In early 2025, KPR officially launched in Saudi Arabia, tapping seasoned PR pro Frankie Hilton to lead operations in Riyadh. It was a natural move after picking up pace with regional clients, and since the KSA launch, they’ve onboarded more clients across their whole portfolio.
From luxury resorts and fashion houses to lifestyle concepts and homegrown restaurants, KPR’s growing client base is as vibrant and diverse as the team behind it.
Recent client wins include
The Yoga House Riyadh – the agency’s very first KSA client, this wellness destination is all about finding your balance in the heart of the capital.
Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara Oman – a serene five-star coastal haven in Oman, known for its exceptional spa rituals and barefoot luxury.
The Coterie Dubai – a British gastropub that’s become a go-to for Dubai brunch lovers and football fans alike.
Replay Lounge & Karaoke Dubai – the ultimate new karaoke spot in town with a lively twist.
Suited & Booted Dubai – an impeccably British tailoring brand known for made to measure magic and making lasting first impressions.
Leen’s Dubai– a local Dubai favourite combining laid-back vibes with gourmet flair.
Through all the exciting growth, one thing has remained the same: KPR isn’t interested in being the loudest in the room just the smartest, most thoughtful voice in the conversation.
“We’ve never been the flashiest agency, and we don’t need to be,” Ellie says. “What matters is that we show up, we listen, and we deliver really good work. Clients want real people they can trust—and we take that seriously.”
With big brand stories told quietly but impactfully, and a team bonded by caffeine and creativity, KPR is redefining what a modern PR agency can look like. And as for the rest of 2025? Expect more growth, more bold ideas, and maybe just a few more cups of coffee.
