Founding entrepreneur Lee Dancy makes way for a new Barking Mad breed. 

Barking Mad, the UK’s most trusted dog sitting service, has announced the appointment of two new joint Managing Directors to take over the reins from founder, Lee Dancy.

Richard Dancy, (Lee’s husband) who has worked with Barking Mad for 11 years as Marketing Consultant, and Rachel Stewart, Business Development Consultant, are taking over as joint Managing Directors. Together, they have some highly relevant experience, in particular in marketing, business development and operations and have already made a substantial contribution to the growth of Barking Mad.

The Barking Mad franchisees and team members were able to give Lee a memorable send-off at the recent annual conference for the network. The conference was also an opportunity to celebrate Barking Mad’s considerable milestones and successes since 2000 and acknowledge the passion and commitment of the Barking Mad franchisees.

Franchise Brands plc, a multi-brand franchisor, acquired Barking Mad in 2016 to assist in developing the business. Franchise Brands has considerable expertise in marketing, technology, franchise recruitment and finance and all the group’s brands benefit from these shared support services.

Lee Dancy, Managing Director, Barking Mad, said:

“After almost 20 years at the helm I have decided to step down from my role as Managing Director of Barking Mad, later this month.  I feel extremely proud to have founded a business which has changed the lives of so many people: our customers and their dogs, our community of wonderful host families and the enthusiastic franchise network of business owners. 

I would like to recognise, in particular, the hard work and contribution of our franchisees and the K9HQ support team over the years without whom Barking Mad would not have grown to become the UK’s leading dog holiday company.  I look forward to seeing Barking Mad continue on the next stage of its journey under the joint leadership of Rachel and Richard.”

Stephen Hemsley, Executive Chairman, Franchise Brands plc, said:

“Lee was a pioneer in the dog home boarding market in 2000 when she set about creating a brand-new concept for dog holidays. Today Barking Mad is a successful, multi award-winning business with 82 franchisees nationwide and is the most trusted brand in the dog home boarding sector. Lee’s passion, commitment and entrepreneurial spirit were instrumental in achieving this success and everyone at Franchise Brands wishes her all the very best for the future”.

“I am very pleased that Richard and Rachel are taking over as joint Managing Directors of Barking Mad. Having both been with the business for a number of years they are very well known to our franchisees and the Barking Mad team and have substantial relevant experience. They will also be able to draw on the substantial experience and resources of the Franchise Brands group as they lead Barking Mad on the next phase of its evolution. I wish them every success in their new roles”.