Proactive PR under new ownership

Proactive International PR is entering a new era under new ownership.

After a hugely successful 15 years, Founder and President Brian Dolby and the company’s other shareholders have sold the business to a partnership of existing staff members consisting of Agency Director James Page, Chief Financial Officer James Shortland and Multimedia Director Simon Shortland.

The new ownership is accompanied by Dolby’s retirement from the company and a strategic leadership change. Page has assumed the role of CEO and current CEO Jayne Brooks has moved into the newly created role of Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer. The rest of the leadership team remains unchanged with Melissa Tyson continuing to serve as Operations Director.

“It’s hugely exciting to be taking over this brilliant agency and to be leading it into its next successful chapter,” said Page. “We have a fantastic team who combine unrivalled levels of knowledge about the sectors our clients operate in with a truly global outlook and a deep passion for delivering great results. When you align that with our ‘proactive’ ethos you can see how we have become one of the go-to agencies in the international, telecoms and technology sector – and that isn’t going to change.”

Company founder Brian Dolby said: “I’m hugely proud of how Proactive PR has grown and, even though I am retiring and stepping down from my position as President, I am still really excited about what the future holds for the agency. I couldn’t be more pleased about the team who are taking over and I wish them every success for the future.”

Proactive PR is currently ranked at number 31 in PR Week’s ‘UK Top 150 2025 Technology table,’ climbing ten places from 2024 following a 17% growth in turnover.

“It’s been an honour to lead Proactive PR over the last three-plus years and I’m incredibly proud of the results that have been achieved,” said Brooks. “The new ownership marks a significant milestone in Proactive PR’s journey and I’m pleased to be able to continue to shape the future of the agency alongside the new owners and the rest of the talented Proactive PR team.”