Entrepreneur Dominic Ponniah, the well-known Co-Founder of leading national commercial cleaning and FM company Cleanology, has stepped down as CEO to become its new Chairman.
Mr 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, Mr 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.”
Mr 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, adding: “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. Finally, I want to thank all our clients for the incredible support they have given me over the years, my team for their endless patience, humour and energy, and all our stakeholders, who together have helped Cleanology achieve our success to date.”
Mr Ponniah’s next chapter is set to be an exciting ride as, in addition to his chairman role, he has plans to write a book, take flying lessons, become more involved in politics, and launch his fifth new business.
Mr Ponniah will also continue to champion causes he is passionate about, particularly the Real Living Wage and The Hygiene Bank.
Cleanology’s much-heralded annual fundraiser for The Hygiene Bank has established itself as a ‘must attend’ event – attracting almost 200 guests each year – and raising an incredible £151,000 in its first five years. This year’s showpiece event was held in October at The Law Society in the heart of legal London.
Cleanology also prioritises fair pay, with 99% of employees receiving the Real Living Wage, a significant rise from 18% in 2017.
In March 2025, Cleanology rebranded in a bold and exciting live launch marked by the projection of its vibrant new logo against iconic London landmarks, including Tower Bridge. The dramatic unveiling came at a pivotal moment for the company as it entered its 25th year of trading with a record-breaking £2m of new contracts mobilised a month later.
In recent months Mr Ponniah has also become an outspoken critic of the Government’s proposed Employment Rights Bill. He co-authored an open letter to PM Sir Keir Starmer, Deputy PM Angela Rayner and Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds setting out strong opposition to key elements of the Bill. His grave concerns were backed by some of the biggest names in facilities management with 140 companies, representing £7 billion in UK GDP and employing over 156,000 people, signing the letter.
