Pride Holdings Group (OTC: PHSE) announced on September 29, 2026, the formation of a new Advisory Board and the appointment of Richard Hawkins, George Wallace, and Darren Donnelly as its initial members. The move is part of the Company's ongoing efforts to build corporate governance and strategic infrastructure as it expands its operating portfolio, evaluates acquisition opportunities, and works toward a long-term objective of pursuing an uplisting to the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) or NASDAQ. The news was released via NEWMEDIAWIRE.
The Advisory Board will work alongside Company leadership, providing strategic guidance in key areas including acquisitions, corporate governance, operational growth, and capital markets strategy. This development matters because it signals Pride Holdings Group's commitment to maturing its corporate framework as it seeks to scale its LGBTQ+ oriented hospitality, nightlife, entertainment, and real estate assets. For investors and stakeholders, the creation of an advisory board with diverse expertise could enhance decision-making and oversight, potentially increasing the Company's attractiveness to capital markets and supporting its growth trajectory.
Richard Hawkins brings over two decades of experience in capital markets, corporate finance, restructurings, mergers and acquisitions, and strategic growth. He has held executive leadership and board roles across multiple public companies and serves as managing partner of a multi-strategy investment fund focused on public company investments and special situations. His expertise in capital formation, regulatory compliance, and transactional structuring is expected to provide valuable perspective as Pride Holdings Group strengthens its corporate infrastructure and evaluates strategic transactions.
George Wallace, a member of the Orlando LGBTQ+ community, adds a community-focused perspective to the Advisory Board. His appointment reinforces Pride Holdings Group's commitment to maintaining a strong connection between its growth strategy and the LGBTQ+ communities it serves. This alignment is crucial for a company whose mission includes creating safe, inclusive, and economically sustainable community spaces.
Darren Donnelly, MBA, combines business education with direct operating experience. He previously served as Manager of Trevi Lounge in Connecticut and has since joined the Pride Holdings Group team. His venue-level experience provides an operational perspective as the Company evaluates acquisitions and expands its portfolio of hospitality and nightlife businesses.
Tim Majors, CEO of Pride Holdings Group, stated, "Establishing our Advisory Board is another important step in building the corporate infrastructure for the future of Pride Holdings Group. Richard, George and Darren each bring a different perspective to the table - from corporate strategy and community engagement to direct operational experience. That diversity of experience will be valuable as we continue evaluating acquisitions, strengthening our governance and positioning the Company for its next stage of growth." Majors continued, "As Pride Holdings Group grows, we want to surround the Company with individuals who understand business, understand our operations and understand the community we serve. Our objective is to build a stronger organization with the governance, accountability and strategic discipline necessary to operate at a significantly larger scale."
The Advisory Board is expected to play an active role in reviewing acquisition opportunities and advising management on strategic fit, operational integration, potential financial contribution, and long-term shareholder value. It will also guide the Company as it evaluates the necessary steps for a potential NYSE/NASDAQ uplisting, though any uplisting would be subject to satisfying applicable listing standards and regulatory requirements, with no assurance of occurring within a particular timeframe.
Pride Holdings Group anticipates adding additional members to the Advisory Board in 2027 as it continues to expand operations and corporate infrastructure. This phased approach suggests a deliberate strategy to build a robust governance structure, which could positively impact the Company's ability to attract investment and execute its growth plans. For the LGBTQ+ hospitality sector, this move may set a precedent for how community-focused businesses can scale while maintaining their core values. The formation of the Advisory Board underscores Pride Holdings Group's intent to operate at a larger scale with enhanced accountability and strategic discipline.
