Ricky Martin is the Founder and CEO of Hyper Recruitment Solutions (HRS), bringing together a background in science with extensive experience in specialist recruitment.
A qualified biochemist and member of the Royal Society of Chemistry, Ricky began his career in scientific recruitment, developing an understanding of the challenges facing Life Sciences organisations and the professionals working within them.
In 2012, Ricky won BBC One's The Apprentice and went on to establish HRS alongside Lord Alan Sugar, with a clear mission: to provide recruitment solutions that change lives.
Since then, Ricky has led the development of HRS into an international specialist recruitment business, supporting organisations and professionals across scientific, technical and commercial disciplines.
Outside of providing recruitment solutions, Ricky is a regular speaker in schools, universities and conferences about employability and jobs in science; all with a key focus on helping others develop their careers. One of Ricky’s key values in life, and business, is how can he make a difference. This is something he brings in to HRS every day and alongside his enthusiasm for science, ensures all of his staff do too.
His approach to leadership reflects the values at the heart of HRS: excellence, innovation, passion and tenacity.
Ricky Martin
A former Chairman of Tottenham Hotspur FC, he sold his Amstrad empire to Sky in July 2007.
Having left school in Hackney aged 16, Alan Sugar started selling car aerials and electric goods out of a van he bought for £50. In 1968, he founded Amstrad and now, nearly 45 years later, he has an estimated worth of £1.2 billion according to the 2026 Sunday Times Rich List.
A former Chairman of Tottenham Hotspur FC, he sold his Amstrad empire to Sky in July 2007. His other companies include Amscreen, the UK’s largest digital media owner, property investment firm Amsprop and Viglen, a manufacturer specialising in computers, networks and solutions.
In 2000, he was knighted for his services to business and he holds two honorary Doctorates of Science degrees, awarded by City University and Brunel University respectively.
Having previously sat on the Business Council for Britain and fronted a campaign promoting the benefits of apprenticeships, he was named as the government’s Enterprise Champion in 2009 and appointed to the House of Lords as Baron Sugar of Clapton in the London Borough of Hackney.
Lord Sugar has also appeared in all series of BBC’s The Apprentice, where aspiring young businessmen and women compete for the chance to work with him. It was during this time that he invested in the scientific recruitment entrepreneur Ricky Martin, with whom he founded Hyper Recruitment Solutions. Lord Sugar is a philanthropist for a number of charities including Great Ormond Street Hospital and Jewish Care.
Lord Alan Sugar
Leadership with Purpose
From our beginnings in 2012 to the business we are today, our focus has remained the same: connecting talented people with opportunities that make a difference.
Our leadership combines an understanding of the Life Sciences industry with commercial experience and a commitment to building lasting relationships.
Meet the People Behind HRS
Our Board helps shape the direction of HRS, but it's our wider team who bring our values and mission to life every day.
Get to know the specialist consultants and professionals who support our clients and candidates across Life Sciences.
