Founder of Hiring Hub ‘burns the boats’ as he confirms departure after 14 years

Simon Swan, co-founder of Manchester-based digital recruitment platform Hiring Hub, has announced he is leaving the company after 14 years.

Swan launched the firm in 2011 to connect businesses with specialist recruitment agencies, helping them find top-tier talent in a rapidly evolving jobs market.

Speaking on LinkedIn, Swan described his departure as both “exciting” and “trepidatious”, adding: “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 decision to leave without a concrete plan.

Swan stepped down as CEO in 2023 when Hiring Hub attracted a multi-million pound investment from European private equity 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 original idea had grown into “a successful business” supporting boutique recruiters.

While Swan has no immediate role lined up, he plans to take some time out — potentially cycling — and see what fresh opportunities lie ahead. “It’s been years since I’ve had a clear road ahead and no map to navigate a path,” he said. “In Hernan Cortés’ words, sometimes you have to ‘burn the boats’ to ensure you keep moving forwards.”

Hiring Hub, now under Rothwell’s leadership and MonacoSol ownership, will continue evolving to support small and specialist recruitment firms. Swan added: “I can step away confident the business is in safe hands … Here’s to the future, whatever that may bring.”