Ruth Kieran

CEO & Co-Founder

Facts about Ruth

Named PR Week's Power Book for seven consecutive years
Cycled to Paris, Amsterdam and Brussels for retail charity GroceryAid
Led Cirkle to become EMEA Creative Agency of the Year

Ruth has over 25 years’ experience helping consumer brands win with shoppers and retailers across the UK and APAC. Named PR Leader of the Year by PRCA in 2022, and recognised in WIPR and Campaign’s 40 Over 40 as well as PR Week’s Power Book for seven consecutive years. Ruth has spent her career agency-side, leading high-impact communications for both challenger brands and major FMCG and high-street names.

Her food and drink experience spans brands including Organix, BEAR, BOL, Gü and Biomel, alongside multinationals such as PepsiCo, Ferrero and Britvic. She has also led crisis and issues management for brands, QSRs and retailers, including Burton’s Biscuits, Pizza Hut, Costa Coffee and Pets at Home, supporting leadership teams through reputation-critical moments.

In January 2026, she co-founded Joe Public with Amy Searle, with a mission to become the destination for retail and shopper influence.

Ruth is passionate about positive change in the industry. She previously co-chaired all-people activity for the Alliance of Independent Agencies and supports initiatives including IGD’s Feeding Britain’s Future and BME PR Pros. Outside work, she’s often on a bike, having cycled to Paris, Amsterdam and Brussels for retail charity GroceryAid.

"The best shopper PR doesn't start with a campaign idea, it starts with a genuine understanding of why people buy what they buy. What drives them, what stops them, what makes a brand feel worth choosing when budgets are tight and shelves are full. That's the work I find genuinely exciting. When you get that right, the commercial results follow — and they last."