From eight to 15 years and counting – meet the team members who’ve helped shape SE10 over the long haul. Their reflections offer insight into what makes people stay at a PR agency – and what sets us apart.
Career moves can come thick and fast in the PR industry, which makes SE10’s staff longevity a notable differentiator. So what makes people stay? We asked several of our longest-serving team members to share what’s kept them engaged and challenged over the years.
“I feel empowered, trusted and valued at SE10”
“At SE10 I feel trusted and valued by the company, our clients and the media we work with. I’ve built strong relationships with clients which has allowed me to work as part of their team and led to long-standing partnerships. I enjoy working closely with new and existing clients to understand their business needs and develop strategies that deliver tangible results. I also really appreciate the autonomy and flexibility I have at SE10.”
Charlie Williams, Associate Director – UK, 15 years at SE10
“I was given the space to learn and grow at SE10.”
“SE10 has given me the space and support to grow into leadership. I’ve had mentorship from Ben Shaw and others in senior roles, and I’ve learned a lot through experience — including from mistakes — knowing the agency had my back. Coming from journalism, where things could feel more competitive and individualistic, it’s been a shift to work as part of a truly collaborative team. Staying somewhere long enough to build trust with colleagues and clients has given me a sense of belonging and stability — which in turn allowed me to focus on improving my craft, leading people, and helping run the company.”
Damian Joseph, Vice-President – USA, 13 years at SE10
“From day one, I was trusted to run with my ideas – and that autonomy still defines SE10.”
“12 years ago, I applied for an internship at SE10 but was instantly offered a job as an account executive – and I’ve never looked back. From the start I was trusted with real responsibility and encouraged to run with my ideas. That autonomy is still one of the things I value most here. If you’re someone who takes initiative, there’s a lot of room to thrive. I also love that I’ve continued working with some of the same clients over the years and seen their organisations evolve – especially as they lead on decarbonisation and build the infrastructure that will shape the future. Feeling part of their team and story is what makes the work so meaningful.”
Hannah Kitchener, Associate Director – UK, 12 years at SE10
“What’s kept me here is the people – the support, collaboration and shared commitment to doing great work together.”
“Eight years ago, I joined SE10 as a journalist stepping into the world of PR. I had the opportunity to apply my journalistic skills (particularly interviewing and writing) while building a strong foundation in PR for global industrial clients. Also, SE10 has such a great culture – it’s not every day that you find such a supportive and collaborative team environment. The sense of camaraderie, combined with the space to grow and take on new challenges, makes this a rewarding place to develop a PR career.”
Mariana Santos, Account Director – USA, 8 years at SE10
“A culture of genuine support through life’s biggest moments.”
“What I love the most about SE10 and am most grateful for is the genuine support for our team, not just as employees but as human beings. When I became a foster parent, our CEO Ben went above and beyond. I was given time off at crucial moments, as well as the trust and flexibility to adapt my work and schedule around the personal commitments this new chapter in my life brings. It’s this sense of feeling valued, alongside the wonderful and generous experienced we’ve shared as a team over the years, that makes SE10 a truly special place to work.”
Maria Oliver, Financial Controller – UK, 8 years at SE10
At SE10, longevity isn’t just a number – it’s a sign of a culture where people are trusted, supported, and genuinely invested in the work. When people stay, they carry forward knowledge, relationships, and a shared sense of purpose that strengthens every client partnership and internal collaboration. That continuity translates into deeper understanding, sharper communication strategies, and a team that’s fully invested – in each other, and in the work.
If you’re looking for a specialist industrial B2B PR partner with consistency and commitment or a workplace where your ideas can take root and grow, get in touch.
Hannah Kitchener
Associate Director
About the author
Hannah is an associate director in the UK, leading strategic campaigns for industrial clients across the EMEA region. A professionally qualified journalist (NCTJ), she combines specialist sectoral knowledge in construction, energy, and materials handling with a strong network of trade media contacts to secure valuable coverage. Her expertise in inter-cultural communication, honed by degrees in modern languages and translation, is key to executing campaigns that succeed across diverse European markets.
