Travis O’Rourke

As president of Hays Canada, Travis O’Rourke — the first Canadian to hold the position — has set some high standards. During his first full year on the job, he set records for best month, quarter and year. Over the last 12 months, he has helped grow the headcount of Hays Canada by 46% while simultaneously increasing gross profits by 61% and net profits by a staggering 321% — but he doesn’t claim the credit for this success. “Financial results are an output of team success,” he says. “I have a full-time job riding the coattails of our team. The results are theirs, not mine.”

To say that O’Rourke has impressive statistics is an understatement. What drives this success? According to O’Rourke, it is his competitive personality. “I refuse to be outworked by anyone … When I set a goal or a target for myself, it’s nonnegotiable, and I will not stop until it’s been achieved.” Going forward, O’Rourke is committed to making Hays Canada the best place to work in the industry and the largest recruitment company in Canada.

In his own words, however, O’Rourke is a father first, a husband second and an employee of Hays third. Amidst the stress of the pandemic, he donated part of his liver to give his son a life-saving transplant. Both father and son are thriving.