Serial entrepreneur Nick Hynes has launched and led many digital business ventures, including launching the international paid search industry, NASDAQ-listed Overture (sold to Yahoo in 2003).
He also created Europe's largest search marketing agency, The Search Works (sold to another NASDAQ listed company in 2007). Nick founded and was CEO of Somo Global, the digital transformation development company (sold to a NYSE listed business in 2021), which has developed solutions for UK and US-based clients such as Audi, Vodafone, Virgin and LLoyds.
Nick is now launching a new digital Real Estate business in Florida and a consumer health product for the US domestic market.
Nick remains Chairman of Reward, a post he's held for the past 13 years, providing loyalty services to NatWest Bank, Virgin Money, Barclays and Monzo. He has several honorary roles at University of East Anglia, University of Bath and The Princes Trust.
Why did you choose to study at Bath?
I wanted to do an MBA which would help me to develop in my chosen specialism, general management. The School of Management is world-renowned for its modern management knowledge and competence. It was the best place that suited my development needs.
Did you have a particular career in mind when you chose your course?
Yes, to continue my general management career.
Can you tell us about your experience of studying here?
Fascinating! Every day was different. Every day was a day of discovery.
I had some personal challenges while finishing my course and the University of Bath were exceptional at helping me to manage those challenges and successfully complete my MBA.
Describe your career journey since graduating. What is a typical day like in your current role?
Since graduating I have evolved from an innovator, maverick and intrapreneur within large global corporates into a digital pioneer and entrepreneur.
From 2000 onwards I have managed, founded and led seven digital businesses to successful exits. I don’t have a typical day; every day is different and that’s just how I like it.
How did your studies help you to develop?
Every day I utilise a methodology, an insight and an approach that I first discovered in my Bath MBA.
What advice would you give to prospective students thinking about studying an MBA?
Before studying an MBA at Bath, I would highly recommend some kind of experience or exposure to the real world of business and decision making, whether corporate or SME. The context of the business curriculum is so much more accessible if you have participated in the world of business (even at a junior level) before taking this course.
What motivates you to donate to scholarships at Bath, and what would you say to others thinking of doing the same?
My Bath experience has really helped me to go on to achieve a successful career and I see it as my duty and honour to pay back a small proportion of my success to enable others to reach their potential.
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