“Candor, accountability, and the belief that great ideas can come from anywhere.”
Ethan Hays is an entrepreneurial growth and technology leader whose twenty-five-year career has been defined by an unwavering commitment to transformation—of businesses, teams, and the industries they inhabit. From the earliest stages of his journey, Ethan demonstrated an exceptional ability to translate complex challenges into clear, data-driven strategies that unlock scalable, sustainable growth. His approach is rooted in candor and inclusivity, values that have guided his leadership from the boardroom to the frontlines of innovation. Today, as Chief Executive Officer of Cybee—a Zurich-based AI-first cybersecurity company—he continues to chart new territory at the intersection of technology, data, and human potential.
Ethan’s path began not in technology, but in science. Earning his Bachelor of Science in Sports Medicine from Pepperdine University, where he graduated Cum Laude and was named the Outstanding Sports Medicine Student of his class, he cultivated a foundation of analytical rigor, curiosity, and precision. These traits, coupled with an early fascination with systems and optimization, became the through-line of his professional ascent. His transition into business and digital technology marked the beginning of a career dedicated to performance—both human and organizational.
Over the past two decades, Ethan has built a distinguished record of leading growth transformations in complex, data-driven environments. His early years in Silicon Valley coincided with the digital revolution, where he honed his expertise at QuinStreet and Healthline Media. There, he developed the architecture of data-informed marketing systems that fueled explosive client acquisition and revenue growth. His ability to connect engineering precision with creative strategy quickly distinguished him as a rare operator—one equally fluent in technology, finance, and human behavior.
As his career advanced, Ethan’s work increasingly centered on helping companies navigate the evolving frontier of data and artificial intelligence. During his tenure at Plus Company, a private equity–backed global holding company, he founded and led the Performance Marketing Division, transforming it from concept to eight-figure success in just two years. Ethan was instrumental in integrating data monetization into the company’s operating DNA, pioneering the use of first-party data assets to power AI-driven ad targeting. His leadership extended beyond the commercial—he was the architect of cultural alignment across newly acquired companies, merging financial discipline with creative collaboration to produce measurable growth and resilience.
Ethan’s impact deepened at Moz, the renowned SaaS and analytics company. Joining at a pivotal moment, he was charged with revitalizing a declining division post-acquisition. Through strategic vision and operational clarity, he reversed a two-year subscriber decline, reduced churn by 26%, and restored profitability with a 21% EBITDA margin. But beyond the metrics, his most transformative contribution was conceptual—redefining Moz’s identity as not just a software company, but a data powerhouse. By launching Moz Data and securing enterprise partnerships with OpenAI, State Farm, and Sprinklr, he positioned the organization squarely within the vanguard of the AI economy.
Now at the helm of Cybee, Ethan is leveraging his expertise in go-to-market strategy, data architecture, and AI commercialization to democratize cybersecurity for small and midsize businesses. He is building not merely a company, but a mission: to make powerful technology accessible, intuitive, and protective for the businesses that form the backbone of the global economy. Under his leadership, Cybee’s vision has expanded beyond software to ecosystem—bridging security, compliance, and data automation through AI-first innovation.
Ethan’s leadership philosophy is as pragmatic as it is humanistic. A believer in Kaizen—the discipline of continual improvement—he has built his career around empowering teams to evolve through small, intentional advancements every day. He sees leadership not as authority, but as stewardship: the responsibility to create the conditions where others can succeed. His inclusive approach fosters creativity and trust, enabling teams across geographies and disciplines to align around a shared sense of purpose.
Beyond his corporate achievements, Ethan serves as a Board Member for Morozko Forge, a pioneering wellness technology company recognized for its leadership in human performance optimization. His work with Morozko reflects his lifelong interest in the synergy between physical well-being and professional excellence. Advising at the nexus of science, innovation, and human potential, he champions technologies that help people and organizations operate at their peak—ethically, sustainably, and fearlessly.
Ethan’s influence extends far beyond the companies he’s led. As a thought leader, he has been published in Fortune, Forbes, AdWeek, The Drum, and Digiday, contributing insights on data strategy, AI, and the evolving role of performance marketing. His articles explore the convergence of technology and trust, and how businesses can thrive by aligning data intelligence with human empathy. He is a confident public speaker, known for keynotes that challenge conventional thinking while offering actionable frameworks for innovation.
Throughout his journey, Ethan has remained grounded in the principles that define his character: transparency, curiosity, and accountability. Whether leading a global enterprise, mentoring an emerging startup, or addressing a boardroom of seasoned executives, he brings the same energy—clarity of vision, respect for people, and an unrelenting pursuit of better. His professional story is not only one of business transformation, but of a leader who understands that technology, at its best, exists to serve humanity.
Character:
Ethan exemplifies integrity and candor in every interaction, leading with transparency and fairness even in high-stakes environments. His inclusive leadership fosters a culture of trust, ensuring that every team member’s voice contributes to the collective success. Guided by accountability and purpose, he models the kind of authenticity that inspires enduring loyalty and collaboration.
Knowledge:
With over two decades across technology, data, and business strategy, Ethan possesses a deep and holistic understanding of how organizations grow, adapt, and compete. His cross-functional expertise—from product and marketing to finance and data science—allows him to see patterns others miss and translate complexity into clarity. His knowledge is both technical and strategic, blending analytics with human insight to deliver transformative results.
Strategic:
Ethan’s strategic acumen lies in his ability to connect vision with execution. He excels at designing roadmaps that align people, processes, and data toward measurable outcomes, creating momentum that compounds over time. Whether leading turnarounds or launching new divisions, his strategic foresight turns disruption into opportunity and challenges into growth.
Communication:
A gifted communicator, Ethan translates complex concepts into compelling narratives that engage both analytical and creative minds. His communication style is rooted in empathy and clarity, ensuring alignment across diverse stakeholders. Through candid dialogue and purpose-driven storytelling, he fosters understanding, inspires confidence, and unites teams around shared goals.
