Mathijs H. Gajentaan, Toronto, Ontario.

101bike at gmail dot com

Profile

·         10 years International Marketing experience in developing, managing and executing marketing plans & budgets.

·         Strategic and creative thinker, entrepreneur with a hands-on mentality.

·         Manager, team builder, mentor and coach.

·         Initiator and executor of strategic partnerships, seminars and events.

Professional Experience

Tucows (Toronto) offers Internet services and download libraries through a network of 6,000 providers.

Marketing Strategy Consultant (Jan.'06 – May.'06) - Contractor

Summary: Reporting to VP of Marketing and responsible for the development of a marketing strategy plan.

·         Developed and presented Marketing Strategy Plan for Blogware and Operational Marketing program.

·         Researched and analyzed current market situation, reseller strategy and competition. Consulted on new tactics.

·         Recommended Target Market and Value Proposition.

·         Reviewed and consulted on lead generation and retail tools.

·         Other activities: delivering input for new product improvements, organizing tradeshows (ISPCON, HostingCon).

Cervélo (Toronto) produces high-end road bicycles for professional athletes. It is the supplier of bicycles to the Tour de France CSC team and Ivan Basso (winner Giro d’Italia 2006).

Marketing Consultant (project)  (Nov.’05).

·         Presented report: 'Improving Cervélo's customer brand experience and service to increase loyalty and retention'.

·         Researched current distribution channel.

·         Suggested new / innovative ways to increase stickiness through multiple channels (web, tradeshows, directmail etc).

Nedstat (Amsterdam, NL) is European Market Leader in website analytics with more than 12,000 professional clients.

Marketing Manager ('03 – '05) Corporate Communications Manager ('00 – '03).

Summary: Reporting to the CEO and responsible for all marketing activities.

·         Prepared, presented and executed international marketing plans. Managed and controlled marketing budgets.

·         Initiated, developed, managed and successfully lead international partnerships. Such as the first Pan-European voucher deal with Google, leading to increased brand awareness and higher sales and 5% more product try-outs. Other partnerships: ING, Ziff Davis and Holland’s leading SME publisher De Zaak

·         Managed a team of three professionals: traffic manager, communication assistant and a Webmaster.

·         Initiated and developed and managed more than 30 events resulting in 95%+ retention rate and hundred of new leads and customers. All were profitable.

·         Implemented a market sector approach (verticals) to clients, resulting in thorough knowledge of clients business and customers, improved customer support, loyalty & sales. Sectors: Automotive, Financial Services, Government, Healthcare, Media, Travel.

·         Created online marketing campaigns and Search Engine Marketing strategies with Google and Yahoo!, resulting in hundreds of new unique visitors to the website and an increase in service trials.

·         Other activities: developed marketing materials (brochures, case studies (e.g. Audi), customer surveys, direct mailings, e-mail marketing campaigns, newsletters, press releases, print campaigns, product presentations, radio commercials, all contributing to a stronger brand and continuous double digital sales growth. Introduced new corporate identity and website, monitoring consumer, industry and competitive behavior for all products.

Getronics (Amsterdam, NL) is one of the main digital services groups in Europe. Revenue exceeded $3.5 Billion in 2005.

Project Manager Marketing & Communications ('98 – '00).

·         Planned and implemented a national advertising campaign to recruit IT-professionals. Exceeding recruitment goals by 40%. Selection of visuals, slogans and marketing tools (for buses, billboards etc); key contact person for international advertising agencies (e.g. BBDO, Y&R); initiated an advertising effectiveness study.

·         Responsible for introduction of ‘Document Logistics’ - a full concept document management service. Development of all marketing activities and materials.

·         Authorized and presented strategic marketing plan for a software application for organizations offering services in the field of occupational health, sick-leave guidance and risk-management. Software application was bought by 80% of major organizations.

·         Initiated and assisted in the design of the new Internet and intranet site.

Numico (Zoetermeer, NL) is global leader in clinical nutrition and baby food.

Marketing Controller ('95 – '97), member Management Team.

·         Prepared and set up sales and marketing budgets exceeding $70 Million.

·         Reported and presented weekly and monthly financial figures to the Management. and the effect of cost price and changes on total forecasted turnover; negotiate affiliate programs.

·         Assisted Marketing and Product Managers in the preparation and introduction of marketing plans, resulting in more critical purchasing approach and lower marketing costs.

Educational Background

·         Haagse Hogeschool – Economics Faculty, The Hague, The Netherlands. Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A Honors). Major: Marketing.

·         United Nations International School, New York, U.S.A. International Baccalaureate Diploma and American High School Diploma.

Courses & professional training

·         University of Toronto. Effective Project Management.

·         Society for Marketing and Advertising. Web and Internet Marketing.

·         City University of New York. Statistics and Physics.

·         University of Dijon, French, ‘Diplome Intermediaire’

·         Co-ops/internships: AbnAmro, Aegon, AkzoNobel , Bank of Netherlands Municipalities, Min of Foreign Affairs.

 Volunteerwork / memberships

·         Canadian Federal Elections Campaign 2006. Activities include: participating in strategic campaign discussion groups, database marketing, doing telephone and door-to-door canvassing, subway promotions etc.

·         Organizing Marketing and e-Business Meet-ups. Informal networking events for Marketers held in Toronto.

·         Current memberships: Association of Internet Marketing & Sales (AIMS), Canadian Netherlands Business and Professionals Association Inc. (Board), Junior Chamber International of Toronto.

Skills

·         Languages: Fluency in Dutch and English, written and spoken. Good knowledge of German and French.

·         Computer skills: MS-Office, Bloomberg, Reuters, Oracle SQL+, Front Page, Various Blogging software.

·         Publications: Wrote Emerging Markets column in MONEY magazine, a financial/investment publication. Articles include: Eastern Europe, Latin America and Dutch Companies in Emerging Markets.