14 May 2004

Founder of the largest search business in Europe joins The Search Works to head next major evolution in search marketing

Nick Hynes, recently exited MD and President of Overture Europe is known for discovering the 'next big thing'.

The Search Works, the UK's largest search engine marketing company, has today announced the appointment of Nick Hynes as CEO. Hynes is known for seeking out businesses that are set to 'take-off' in a big way and is now ready to take the 'next big thing' in search to global domination. The question is, why The Search Works?

A marketing services pioneer, Hynes has launched some major products and services that have changed the behaviour of millions of consumers over the years: "I believe that merging search engine advertising into one simple interface is the way forward. I'm known for joining businesses where I can see massive potential and this is why I have joined The Search Works. Overture Europe grew from a start-up into a huge, thriving and well-respected Internet business with the greatest reach in Europe and I aim to take The Search Works to the same level."

Hynes stipulates that The Search Works has the best and most innovative technology with the best people in the business managing it. "Search Engine Marketing is going to increase in importance as part of the marketing mix over the next year as it has proven to deliver the highest and most consistent return on investment of any marketing tool." Customers already include Yahoo!, AOL, lastminute.com, Associated New Media and Jobsite.

Prior to founding Overture Europe, Hynes' key achievements include launching the Air Miles electronic points system before going on to co-launch the electronic points supermarket loyalty scheme with Sainsbury's Reward card, the loyalty scheme for Natwest credit card and the Shell smartcard to name but a few.

David Harrison Managing Director at The Search Works said: "We are delighted to have Nick on board, his amazing profile and breadth of experience within consumer marketing initiatives will be essential in leading The Search Works to global growth. With a focus on expanding within vertical markets, we are pleased to be number one in our sector but with Nick's expertise we will soon be number one across Europe too."

Hynes continued: "The next six months will be focused on expanding The Search Works´ position as the number one player in the UK and will be a major factor in taking the business across Europe. The Search Works is a quality and professional player in this market and with a client list of over 60 blue-chips to back it up, success is inevitable."

According to a survey conducted by Nielsen ReelResearch a massive 88 per cent of online users said their purchases originated from clicking on a search engine listing. The Search Works provides a service that allows businesses to ensure inclusion within the top three search results for selected and relevant 'searched for' keywords by using its automated bid management tool BidBuddy.

The Search Works has an unrivalled and independent comprehension of the search marketing sector, having partnerships with all of the major providers; Google, Overture, Espotting and Mirago. It also supports all of the major UK search engines, including Wanadoo.