HelloPeter founder steps down, promises ‘new life’ on site

Peter Cheales, the founder of online customer service site HelloPeter, has stepped down from his position at the helm of the company.

In a letter sent to all Hello Peter subscribers, Cheales says that the site will continue running with the current team remaining in place. It does however seem that the company may have been bought out, given his assertion that it will be led by “a dynamic new team of entrepreneurs”.

The HelloPeter founder says that he will spend his time “writing and speaking at conferences” and will have no role at the site under the new owners.

At this stage, it’s unclear who those new owners are, but Cheales does say that the full details will be revealed in due course.

Cheales has been at the helm of the site since its inception in 2000. The site has always presented itself as a staunch advocate of consumer rights, with companies paying to respond to complaints and queries.

Read Cheales’ full letter below:

Hello X

This is a bitter-sweet time for me.
I started Hellopeter in 2000, and have worked at it every day since. It was just an idea. After all, there was nothing to replicate. No such thing as social media. Facebook hadn’t been created. Neither had Twitter. The word “blog” hadn’t been invented.

Hellopeter has become the biggest customer service site in the world. And now it’s time for me to say good bye. It’s time for fresh blood, more energy and new life. My trusted team headed up by Linda and Monique will remain on the site, led by a dynamic new team of entrepreneurs — watch the press for details. They will drive the site forward, and I wish them every success in the future. I know that my baby will continue to grow from strength to strength.

I will follow my passions: writing and speaking at conferences.

Please Like me on Facebook and Follow me on Twitter. I’d love to hear from you. Please continue to say “Hello Peter” when you see me. I’ve so enjoyed all our interactions over the years. I would love to continue our chats.

After spending fifteen years on Hellopeter, a farewell letter would be remiss without gigantic thanks to all who’ve been involved in the success of the site: My first right-hand person, Shelley, who was always so optimistic when I was ready to pack up and go home. Linda and Monique, who keep the ship on course. Grant and his brilliant dev. team; Dom, the numbers man. .. and The Media. Special thanks to John Robbie, George Mazarakis, Darren “Wackhead” Simpson, Redi Tlhabi and Gareth Cliff.

To the fabulous Companies Who Respond. Wow… you’ve been unbelievable. The way you embraced the concept from the outset. I couldn’t have wished for more supportive companies who were prepared to take the flack and respond.

My biggest thanks goes to you, the customers. Without you, there is no site. You have written great reports, you’ve been polite and courteous, and I hope that you’ve got the results you so deserve.

I will continue to watch from the sidelines. The site will always be a part of me.

I wish you all the success and happiness in the world. I hope your days will be filled with wonderful service, love and all things truly beautiful.

Good bye X.

Regards
Peter