LONDON — Misha Dhanak, the co-founder of The Romans who quit the agency in 2019, has joined Spacehive, which crowdfunds local regeneration projects, as CEO.

Dhanak founded The Romans in 2015 with Joe Mackay-Sinclair with backing from Mother, but the duo parted company in July last year, with Dhanak saying that she and Mackay-Sinclair had “different views on the direction of the agency”.

Founded in 2011, Spacehive enables people to crowdfund projects that make local places better, and matches local community crowdfunding with support from local councils, foundations and brand partners.

Part of Dhanak’s role will be ramping up Spacehive’s marketing efforts and expand partnerships with brands interested in supporting community projects, such as the recent regeneration of Leyton High Street in London (pictured) by artist Camille Walala, and wildlife parks that improve local biodiversity.

Dhanak told PRovoke Media: “It’s an exciting opportunity for brands as it’s a genuine and credible way to improve the lives of your consumers, especially as we’ve all seen the importance of local spaces in the past year. Civic crowdfunding will become the norm: it’s a nimble solution to enable brands and councils to ensure money is going to where it will have the most impact.”

She said another priority was to look at internal and external communications support for the platform.

On her move from PR agency leader to crowdfunding chief, Dhanak said: “I wanted to work at an organisation that was helping to make the world better. Spacehive has such a clear mission to enable local changemakers to fund projects that matter, and to play a role in that is thrilling and humbling.”

Before founding The Romans, Dhanak was UK and EMEA managing director at Citizen Relations, and previously worked at agencies including Elan Edelman in Paris, and Shine Communications.

The Romans announced a new leadership team in February this year, included promoting Roxy Kalha to managing director.

Dhanak replaces Chris Gourlay, founder of Spacehive, who is stepping down as CEO and will join the board.