Cleanology’s Dominic Ponniah moves to chairman role

Dominic Ponniah, Co-Founder of national commercial cleaning and FM company, Cleanology, has stepped down as CEO to become its new Chairman.

Ponniah will still be taking a keen interest in the growth of the company, co-founded with his mother Elisabeth Ponniah in 1999, but he has decided the time is right to step back from the day-to-day running.

Explaining his move, Ponniah said: “Twenty-two years ago, I agreed to join the business and help my mother with the marketing for three months. Three months turned into 10 years and then 10 years turned into 20 years. I was having too much fun to stop.

“It’s always difficult for founders of businesses to get the timing right as to when the founder steps away and replaces themselves. I believe that the timing is right to do that now.”

Ponniah – who will continue to attend Board meetings as Chairman – will work alongside Cleanology’s new CEO until the end of the year as part of a handover before focusing on his new role. He has also stressed it’s very much a case of ‘business as usual’ despite the change in leadership. He added: “Most importantly, I will be around to support Cleanology to double in size over the next three years by ensuring we continue to be the best in the industry – and making sure we are leading on innovation, sustainability and the brand pillars we are known for.”

In addition to his chairman role, Ponniah has plans to write a book, take flying lessons, become more involved in politics, and launch his fifth new business.

He will also continue to champion causes he is passionate about, particularly the Real Living Wage and The Hygiene Bank.