Positif eyes growth with new bosses
ONE of Wales’ leading public affairs companies, Positif Politics, has revealed a new management and ownership structure as it looks to a new growth phase.
The deal provides a day-to-day operational exit for its founder, chairman and managing director Daran Hill, who set up Positif Politics in 2004. The company now has around 70 clients across the public, private and third sectors.
Mr Hill, who has seen his equity stake reduced to a quarter in the business as part of the new structure, had handed over the reins to new joint managing directors Naomi Williams and Rhodri ab Owen, who also increase their equity stakes to 25% respectively in the Cardiff-based firm, with the remaining shares held by other staff.
Mr Hill, who will continue to support the business in a senior consultancy role, said of his decision to stand down: “For the past three years I have reduced my shareholding in Positif and tried hard to help my friends and colleagues rise to new challenges. Everyone I work with has risen to the challenge and I am confident Positif can move forward under new, fresh and innovative management.
“Having worked in public affairs for over two decades and managed the company for almost 15 years, I have been planning for quite some time to make changes.
“I had originally planned to make big changes tied in with the 2021 Senedd elections, but the Covid crisis and the collective and considered response of the team means I decided to make these changes earlier.
“I will continue with Positif Politics for the foreseeable future and offer advice when needed, but I don’t drive and I don’t like back seats.
“It’s over to other people now to keep growing Positif who can bring the enthusiasm, imagination and appetite the company needs.
“I’ve led for almost 15 years and I hope they can match or surpass my record.”
Mr ab Owen and Ms Williams have been directors and shareholders of the firm since 2017. Positif ’s clients include Community Pharmacy Wales, Community Housing Cymru and the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry.
Ms Williams, who first joined in 2011, said: “As the founder of Positif over 14 years ago, we know that taking the decision to take a step back has not been taken lightly by Daran and we want to thank him for the faith he has shown in us as we take Positif forward. These changes only mean continued stability and continuity from Positif and the services you receive from us.”