Simon Swan, co-founder of Manchester-based digital recruitment platform Hiring Hub, has introduced he’s leaving the corporate after 14 years.
Swan launched the agency in 2011 to attach companies with specialist recruitment companies, serving to them discover top-tier expertise in a quickly evolving jobs market.
Talking on LinkedIn, Swan described his departure as each “exciting” and “trepidatious”, including: “It’s been an epic adventure, and one that’s taught me so much. But I’m ready to explore again, learn new things and write a fresh chapter.” He cited Hernán Cortés’s motto, “burn the boats”, to underline his resolution to go away and not using a concrete plan.
Swan stepped down as CEO in 2023 when Hiring Hub attracted a multi-million pound funding from European non-public fairness fund MonacoSol. Mark Rothwell has since taken over the reins. Reflecting on Swan’s departure, Rothwell thanked the outgoing founder “for everything that you have done in your 14 years at Hiring Hub”, emphasising that Swan’s authentic thought had grown into “a successful business” supporting boutique recruiters.
Whereas Swan has no quick position lined up, he plans to take a while out — doubtlessly biking — and see what recent alternatives lie forward. “It’s been years since I’ve had a clear road ahead and no map to navigate a path,” he stated. “In Hernan Cortés’ words, sometimes you have to ‘burn the boats’ to ensure you keep moving forwards.”
Hiring Hub, now below Rothwell’s management and MonacoSol possession, will proceed evolving to help small and specialist recruitment companies. Swan added: “I can step away confident the business is in safe hands … Here’s to the future, whatever that may bring.”
