Seven Dials PR: Simon Kelner's London Agency Profile

Originally published May 2013. Updated October 14, 2026.

What is Seven Dials PR?

Seven Dials PR is a Covent Garden, London PR agency launched in 2013 by Simon Kelner, the former editor-in-chief of The Independent, as its chief executive. It was positioned as editor-led PR, built by a newspaper editor who knew what journalists expected from the people pitching them.

Who is Simon Kelner?

Simon Kelner stepped down as editor-in-chief of The Independent in 2011 after 13 years, according to the University of Ulster, which honored him in 2013. He won Editor of the Year in 2004 and 2010 and relaunched The Independent in compact format.

The same release said he had just announced the new PR agency, Seven Dials, based in Covent Garden, with himself as chief executive.

How was Seven Dials launched?

The Drum reported in May 2013 that Kelner launched Seven Dials as a sister PR agency to BMB. EPR's launch coverage added that advertising creative Trevor Beattie, known for the Wonderbra "Hello Boys" campaign, collaborated on the agency and that Simon Walker and Charles Wilson joined as advisers, citing a Guardian report.

What did Kelner argue about PR?

At the time, EPR's launch coverage noted that Kelner's view differed from Richard Edelman's idea of expanding the definition of PR. Seven Dials' premise was craft over breadth: PR close to editorial judgment, not a bigger bundle of services.

What has Seven Dials done since?

EPR could not confirm recent Seven Dials activity, clients or headcount from public sources. If you work at or with the firm and can share current details, EPR will update this profile. For other UK agencies, see the PR agency profiles directory.

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