PADI – A change of ownership
PADI is the world's largest diving organisation with 25 million certifications
PADI has recently announced a change of ownership. A consortium of family wealth investors has now taken over the world’s largest dive training/membership organisation, which was founded in 1966 by John Cronin and Ralph Erickson. In the message from PADI’s President and CEO, Drew Richardson, the new owners constitute a group of “conservation-minded family investors” based in North America. The consortium invests long-term in premium brands that are geared towards a cause.
Richardson said that the group shares PADI’s mission and conservation agenda, and includes the likes of philanthropists who are attracted to the organisation’s commitment towards conserving and protecting the oceans.
Richardson affirmed the PADI executive team’s commitment, as well as his own, in leading the organisation for its next 50 years, saying: “Together, we will continue to grow the PADI brand and through our stewardship efforts ensure PADI is not only the best in the world, but also best for the world.”
He also reaffirmed PADI’s global priorities, namely, 1) to support its members grow and improve as divers, 2) to attract newcomers, 3) to engage with their members and encourage activities, and 4) to inspire divers with its vision of conservation.
Richardson explained that this transition is to the benefit of the organisation, and confidently stated that his personal friends, John Cronin and Ralph Erickson, “would be extremely proud of this next step for the PADI organisation and heartened to see that it has transformed into a global force for good for scuba diving and the ocean planet.”
He finished off his message by reinforcing his commitment to, and appreciation of, all PADI members: “You are the heart of the organisation and the entire PADI staff remain focused on delivering the best service and support to help you succeed.”