Category: Management

PPHC Appoints Chief Administrative Officer

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Public Policy Holding Company, Inc., (Nasdaq: PPHC) (AIM: PPHC), a leading global strategic communications provider, offering a comprehensive range of advisory services in the areas of government relations, public affairs, and corporate communications, announces the appointment of Matthew Mazzanti as Chief Administrative Officer (“CAO”), effective 20 March 2026.  

Matthew is promoted from his current position, where he has led the Group’s corporate communications and investor relations functions and supported corporate development activities. He has played a central role in a broad range of PPHC initiatives, including providing support to the senior leadership team and member firm leadership.

As CAO, Matthew will continue to report directly to Stewart Hall, Chief Executive Officer. He will maintain his existing responsibilities while taking on broader responsibility for supporting the execution of the Company’s strategic priorities, strengthening coordination throughout the holding company, and driving operational efficiency across the platform.

Matthew joined Crossroads Strategies, one of the Group’s founding member firms, seven years ago before progressing to a cross-functional position with PPHC. He was involved in the Company’s AIM IPO in 2021 and played a key role in the recent listing on the Nasdaq Global Market.

The position of Chief Administrative Officer has been vacant since the retirement of Bill Chess in July 2024.

Stewart Hall, CEO of PPHC, commented:

“As PPHC continues to expand globally and enhance its suite of services and portfolio companies, the CAO position is increasingly important for the Company. Matthew has played critical roles going back to our AIM listing over four years ago in investor relations, intercompany relations, talent management, M&A, and business development. His knowledge of each of our member companies, their services and people is unmatched, and I am pleased to elevate him to the position with the Board’s approval. Filling the CAO position will allow us to continue to drive intercompany synergies and support our number one asset – our talented and skilled practitioners across the globe.”

PPHC Appoints John Green as Chief Client Officer

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Public Policy Holding Company, Inc., the leading government relations and public affairs group providing a comprehensive range of advisory services, is pleased to announce the appointment of John Green as Chief Client Officer. This pivotal role underscores PPHC’s commitment to maximising cross-firm collaboration and delivering unparalleled outcomes for its clients.

Having completed four significant acquisitions since its IPO, and now with ten operating companies and over 1,200 clients based globally, John’s appointment will accelerate the Group’s  cross-referral program, fostering deeper integration and synergy and enhancing organic revenue growth.  With a focus on business development and execution, John will work to unlock new opportunities by leveraging the unique capabilities of each firm, ensuring clients benefit from the full breadth of PPHC’s expertise.

John brings over two decades of experience as a trusted advocate in the federal policy space. In addition to his new role, he will continue to serve as Chairman of Crossroads Strategies, one of PPHC’s premier federal affairs firms. Before joining Crossroads, John co-founded Federalist Group, LLC, which was later acquired by Ogilvy Public Relations and became one of the top five government relations firms in Washington, D.C. His track record reflects a deep understanding of the industry and a proven ability to drive growth and client success.

This announcement reflects PPHC’s forward-looking strategy to integrate expertise across its firms, creating value for clients and shareholders alike. The Company’s focus on collaboration and innovation continues to position it as the go-to partner for organisations navigating complex policy and reputational challenges.

Stewart Hall, CEO of PPHC, commented:

“John has an outstanding reputation and will deploy his abilities to connect the dots between our firms and create bespoke teams tailored to client needs. His deep understanding of our business portfolio and connectivity with the CEOs of our operating companies makes him the ideal person to lead this initiative. With ten companies under the Group’s umbrella and a strong M&A pipeline, this appointment signals our commitment to further harnessing our collective strengths and driving organic growth across the Group.”

John Green, CCO of PPHC, commented:

“I’m honored to take on this role and work closely with our talented teams across the Group. By fostering collaboration and innovation, we have an incredible opportunity to not only enhance client outcomes but also further solidify PPHC’s position as the leader in public affairs and government relations.”

PPHC Announces Chief Financial Officer Succession; Roel Smits Elevated

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PPHC is pleased to announce that, as part of its executive officer succession planning, Roel Smits has been appointed as Chief Financial Officer with immediate effect.

Founding CFO Bill Chess remains on the Board as Executive Director and will assume the new position of Chief Administrative Officer, reporting directly to the CEO, where he will drive internal efficiency and collaboration.

Roel joined PPHC in May 2022 as Deputy CFO. He has previously acted as CFO at Kantar, the data analytics and brand consulting company owned by WPP and Bain Capital, most recently for Americas and prior also for Asia-Pacific and Africa. Prior to that, he performed senior roles at WPP (Senior VP of Corporate Development) and Dutch private equity family office HAL Investments BV. Roel has a Masters in Finance from London Business School, as well as a Masters in Economics from Erasmus University Rotterdam and an MBA in Marketing from Michigan State University.  

It is the intention that Roel will join the Board in due course subject to completion of customary due diligence and regulatory procedures.

“The appointment of Roel to the position of CFO and of Bill to the new position of Chief Administrative Officer is the result of careful succession planning and adds additional strength to the executive team. Since our IPO in December 2021, we have created a business delivering revenues of over $100m with strong EBITDA margins between 25% and 30% and we are looking forward to building on this progress in the coming years.“

-Simon Lee, Chairman, PPHC

“I am delighted to take on the role of PPHC’s CFO as we continue to deliver our clearly stated strategy and benefit from the ever-increasing importance that corporates globally are placing on government relations and public affairs. In addition to continued organic growth, PPHC is actively in discussions with a number of potential acquisition targets, both in the US and internationally – I am excited by the potential for significant growth that lies head for the Group. With deepest respect I thank my predecessor Bill Chess for all he has done for PPHC since its inception in 2014.”

-Roel Smits, CFO, PPHC

“Being part of the team that has propelled PPHC into becoming the largest provider of federal lobbying services in the US continues to be an incredible journey.  I’m looking forward to working in my new role to drive internal efficiency and collaboration as we deliver on our organic and acquisitive growth plan.“

-Bill Chess, Chief Administrative Officer, PPHC