Ryan McCabe, a Scottish entrepreneur and visionary, made a lasting impact on the recruitment tech industry as the founder and CEO of Odro, a company he helped grow into a pioneering force in the world of video interviewing technology. His story, however, is not just one of professional success, but also of personal tragedy. Ryan’s untimely passing in 2024 left a void not only in the business world but also in the hearts of those who knew him as a mentor, friend, and leader.
Early Life and Career
Ryan McCabe was born and raised in Scotland, a place where his entrepreneurial spirit would later blossom. His journey into the tech world was rooted in his early experiences in recruitment. McCabe’s foundation in the recruitment industry gave him the insights he needed to found Odro — a company that would reshape how businesses conducted interviews and hired talent.
Before starting Odro, McCabe had worked in various roles within recruitment agencies, where he saw firsthand the inefficiencies of the traditional hiring process. Inspired by these challenges, he set out to create a solution that would streamline recruitment, making it more accessible and efficient through digital technology.
Ryan McCabe Founding Odro and Growing the Business
In 2015, McCabe founded Odro with a vision to make the hiring process easier for both candidates and recruiters. Odro’s flagship service, video interviewing, allowed companies to conduct remote interviews, cutting down on travel costs and improving accessibility for candidates across the world. The company’s software also enabled businesses to conduct asynchronous interviews, giving recruiters more flexibility and speed in their hiring processes.
Under McCabe’s leadership, Odro grew from a small startup to a widely respected name in the recruitment tech industry. The company’s products became particularly valuable as businesses began embracing remote work and digital communication, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Odro’s growth was also fueled by McCabe’s commitment to a people-centric approach to business. He believed in building strong company culture, and his leadership style was rooted in empathy, transparency, and inclusivity. Employees at Odro described him as a supportive and motivational leader, one who was always present and engaged with the team.
Accident and Tragic Death
On June 22, 2024, Ryan McCabe tragically passed away in a motorcycle accident while riding in Glencoe, Scotland. The news of his sudden death shocked the tech and recruitment industries, where he was highly regarded not just for his professional achievements but also for his character and leadership. His untimely death left a significant impact on his family, friends, colleagues, and the wider community.
The Ryan McCabe Legacy
Despite his short life, Ryan McCabe left behind a powerful legacy. His contributions to the recruitment tech industry were groundbreaking, and his leadership style is something that continues to inspire those who worked with him. His vision of integrating technology into the recruitment process revolutionized how businesses find talent, making hiring faster, more efficient, and more inclusive.
After his death, many of McCabe’s peers in the industry paid tribute to his memory, with some calling him “one of the brightest minds in Scottish tech.” His obituary, published by Odro and various industry publications, emphasized not just his professional success but also his personal qualities — his kindness, generosity, and his unwavering belief in the power of people.
In the wake of his death, a memorial run called “Run for Ryan” was organized to honor his memory and support causes that were important to him. The proceeds from this event were donated to various charities, including those focused on mental health and support for young people.
Ryan McCabe Odro and the Continued Impact
Although Ryan McCabe is no longer with us, Odro continues to thrive under the leadership of the team he built. His vision for remote hiring and video interviewing remains at the core of the company’s mission. Odro has become a leading provider of recruitment technology solutions, helping companies streamline their hiring processes and adapt to a more digital and flexible workforce.
The Ryan McCabe Foundation, established in his memory, continues to support causes that were close to his heart, including mental health awareness, supporting young people in their careers, and promoting diversity in tech. The foundation seeks to carry on McCabe’s work by fostering the same values of inclusivity, kindness, and mentorship that he instilled in those around him.
Remembering Ryan McCabe: A Life Well Lived
Ryan McCabe’s legacy is a testament to the power of vision, hard work, and integrity. He was a man who believed in the potential of others and dedicated his career to making the recruitment process more accessible and efficient. But beyond his business accomplishments, McCabe was a mentor, a friend, and a family man. His life reminds us that true success is not measured by accolades alone, but by the positive impact we have on the people around us.
His story is one of passion, innovation, and heartfelt leadership. McCabe’s death, while tragic, has sparked a wave of remembrance and inspiration, ensuring that his contributions to both the business world and the people he helped will never be forgotten.
Conclusion
Ryan McCabe’s unexpected passing left a hole in the tech and recruitment sectors, but his vision, leadership, and compassion continue to inspire all who knew him. His company, Odro, is a testament to the innovative and human‑focused approach he championed. As the Ryan McCabe Foundation continues its work in his memory, the impact of his life and legacy will be felt for years to come.
Though his life was tragically cut short, Ryan McCabe’s story is one of resilience, leadership, and a deep commitment to making the world a better place. His memory lives on in the company he built, the people he mentored, and the causes he cared about.