Roy Horgan is a name that resonates with innovation and leadership in the world of technology and business. Born and raised in County Cork, Ireland, he was immersed in a fourth-generation family food business, which laid the foundation for his entrepreneurial spirit. His journey began in corporate banking, where he managed a portfolio worth approximately €2 billion across Europe and North America. This experience honed his financial acumen and strategic thinking. Equipped with a B.Sc. in Business and Finance, along with diplomas in Stockbroking and International Selling, Roy transitioned into the tech industry. At 27, he co-founded SolarPrint, a company specializing in self-powered indoor sensors, attracting clients like Intel and Analog Devices. Later, he founded MarketHub Technologies, a data analytics firm that revolutionized retail pricing strategies. MarketHub’s success led to its acquisition by SES-imagotag in 2017, where Roy served as CEO for the UK and Ireland. Currently, he holds the position of Senior Executive Vice President at VusionGroup, formerly SES-imagotag, continuing to drive innovation in retail technology.
Early Life and Education
Roy Horgan grew up surrounded by business. His family ran a food business for generations, giving him insight into running operations and managing people from an early age. This upbringing sparked his interest in business and finance, guiding his future decisions and career path.
For education, Roy Horgan pursued a B.Sc. in Business and Finance at the Dublin Institute of Technology. To gain specialized skills, he also earned diplomas in Stockbroking and International Selling. These academic achievements gave him a strong foundation in finance, sales, and international business. His education helped him transition smoothly from traditional finance roles into technology and entrepreneurship, setting the stage for his future successes.
Banking Career: Building a Strong Financial Base
Before stepping into entrepreneurship, Roy Horgan built a solid career in corporate banking. He managed a portfolio of around €2 billion across Europe and North America. This role required precision, analytical thinking, and strategic planning. It allowed him to understand how businesses operate at scale and how to manage investments wisely.
Working in banking also taught Roy the importance of risk management and decision-making under pressure. He gained experience in dealing with complex financial structures and multinational businesses. These skills later became vital in running his own companies, where making smart financial and strategic choices is key to success.
Entrepreneurship: SolarPrint and MarketHub
At the age of 27, Roy Horgan co-founded SolarPrint, a company focused on developing self-powered indoor sensors. The company’s technology was innovative and attracted major clients like Intel and Analog Devices. SolarPrint showed Roy’s ability to spot opportunities and create solutions that meet market needs.
Following the success of SolarPrint, Roy founded MarketHub Technologies. MarketHub specialized in retail data analytics, helping businesses improve their pricing strategies using smart data. This company was revolutionary in the retail sector, offering tools that allowed retailers to optimize prices in real time, increasing efficiency and profitability. MarketHub’s innovation led to its acquisition by SES-imagotag in 2017. Roy continued to serve as CEO for the UK and Ireland, leading technology adoption and driving business growth.
Role at VusionGroup
After MarketHub was acquired, Roy Horgan took on a leadership role at VusionGroup, formerly known as SES-imagotag. As Senior Executive Vice President, Roy continues to push innovation in retail technology. His work focuses on helping businesses use digital solutions and data-driven strategies to improve operations and customer experiences.
Roy’s vision for VusionGroup is clear: combine technology and data to transform retail. Under his leadership, the company has introduced cutting-edge solutions that help retailers stay competitive in an increasingly digital world. His work demonstrates how business acumen and technological knowledge can work together to create lasting impact.
Personal Life
Outside his professional life, Roy Horgan values family deeply. He is married to BBC presenter Angela Scanlon, and they have two daughters, Ruby Ellen and Marnie Fae. Roy’s family life reflects his values of balance, support, and commitment. Despite his busy professional schedule, he prioritizes time with his family and stays grounded.
Roy’s story shows that success is not just about work but also about maintaining meaningful personal relationships. His life is an example of balancing ambition with family and personal well-being.
Achievements and Contributions
Roy Horgan has achieved a lot in both finance and technology. From managing multi-billion euro portfolios to creating innovative tech companies, his contributions are significant. MarketHub’s success in retail analytics transformed how businesses approach pricing and customer engagement.
Additionally, Roy’s work at VusionGroup continues to shape retail technology on a global scale. His focus on innovation, data analytics, and smart retail solutions demonstrates his forward-thinking approach. Roy Horgan is not just a business leader; he is a visionary who bridges the gap between technology and practical business solutions.
Lessons from Roy Horgan’s Career
- Adaptability – Roy successfully transitioned from banking to technology entrepreneurship, showing that adapting to new industries is possible with the right mindset.
- Innovation – He identified market needs and created solutions like SolarPrint and MarketHub, proving the value of innovative thinking.
- Education Matters – His strong academic background in finance and stockbroking laid the foundation for future success.
- Leadership – Roy’s roles at SES-imagotag and VusionGroup highlight the importance of leading with vision and strategy.
- Balance – Despite a busy career, he prioritizes family, showing that personal life is as important as professional achievements.
FAQs
Q1: Who is Roy Horgan?
A1: Roy Horgan is an entrepreneur, technology leader, and former banker. He co-founded SolarPrint and MarketHub Technologies and currently serves as Senior Executive Vice President at VusionGroup.
Q2: What is Roy Horgan known for?
A2: He is known for his innovations in retail technology, data analytics, and for leading companies that transform how businesses approach pricing and technology adoption.
Q3: What companies did Roy Horgan found?
A3: Roy Horgan co-founded SolarPrint, a self-powered sensor company, and MarketHub Technologies, a retail data analytics firm.
Q4: What is Roy Horgan’s educational background?
A4: He holds a B.Sc. in Business and Finance and diplomas in Stockbroking and International Selling from the Dublin Institute of Technology.
Q5: Who is Roy Horgan married to?
A5: Roy Horgan is married to BBC presenter Angela Scanlon, and they have two daughters.
Q6: What is Roy Horgan’s role at VusionGroup?
A6: He is the Senior Executive Vice President, leading innovation and technology strategies in retail solutions.
Q7: What lessons can be learned from Roy Horgan?
A7: His career teaches adaptability, innovation, leadership, and the importance of balancing professional and personal life.
