Ramses Meijer: Experienced Operator in Fintech and Travel Industries

Ramses "Rams" Meijer is a distinguished operator with a wealth of experience managing large multi-million-dollar enterprises in the fintech and travel industries. Throughout his career, he has adeptly handled all facets of online technology management, including product management, marketing, sales, analytics, business development, call center operations, and more. His leadership has been pivotal in guiding geographically dispersed teams toward rapid optimizations, consistent growth, and the execution of long-term strategies. His approach is deeply rooted in innovation and efficiency, ensuring that the organizations he leads remain competitive and forward-thinking.

Strategic Leadership at WerkMagic

Building on his extensive industry experience, Meijer established WerkMagic, a full-service property management, marketing, and consulting firm based in North Carolina. As the owner and CEO, he has infused his expertise in sales and marketing strategy, people management, company culture, online marketplace operations, and organizational leadership into the company's operations. WerkMagic specializes in offering a range of essential services to short-term rental owners, positioning them for success in a dynamic market. Under his strategic guidance, WerkMagic is on a trajectory of accelerated growth, driven by his vision for the company and his ability to adapt to industry shifts.

Meijer's Accomplishments at LendingTree

During his nearly five-year tenure at LendingTree, Rams Meijer's contributions were both significant and transformative. He began his journey at the online lending marketplace as General Manager, overseeing the company's credit cards, student loans, and auto loans divisions. His success in these roles led to his promotion to Vice President of General Management Operations and later to Senior Vice President, where he managed all of LendingTree's lending marketplace businesses.

In these senior roles, Meijer was responsible for overseeing $700 million in annual revenue, with full accountability for the company's P&L, business strategy, operations, and execution. The LendingTree Marketplace, under his leadership, included ten distinct business lines and six brands, such as LendingTree, CompareCards, DepositAccounts, MagnifyMoney, SnapCap, and ValuePenguin. His strategic direction was critical to the company's growth, as he successfully led core vertical teams comprising General Managers, Product, Sales, Marketing, Analytics, Finance, and Tech to deliver results across all business lines.

Leadership in Brand Integration and Business Development

Ramses Meijer played a critical role in integrating acquired brands into LendingTree's core operations, including the successful exit of Ovation.com. His long-term strategic vision for the business loans segment, coupled with his efforts to enhance conversion rates in the credit card vertical, significantly bolstered the company's financial performance. As Senior Vice President, his focus was on driving quarter-over-quarter acquisition growth in business loans, personal loans, and debt relief, all while delivering positive financial impacts to the overall LendingTree P&L.

Meijer was also instrumental in negotiating and securing pivotal business development partnerships with industry giants like Acxiom, CNN, Google, MSN, Equifax, Experian, TransUnion, and Bulldog Media. These partnerships were integral to strengthening LendingTree's market presence and exemplified his ability to cultivate and maintain strategic relationships that contributed to the company's sustained success.

His Work at Expedia Group

Prior to his achievements at LendingTree, Ramses spent six years at Expedia Group, where he ascended through several key positions, ultimately serving as General Manager of North American brands, including Orbitz, Travelocity, and CheapTickets. He was at the helm of various innovative brand campaigns during his tenure at Expedia, including the highly successful "Just Like That," "Travel with Pride," "Santas in Santa Monica," "National Spoil Your Dog Day with Orbitz," and "It's a Great Big World" campaigns.

Meijer's rapid rise within Expedia, marked by three promotions in six years, mirrored his later success at LendingTree. His ability to consistently deliver results, drive brand growth, and lead teams to success underscored his strategic insight and his knack for navigating complex, competitive markets.

Meijer's Foray into the Hotel Sales and Marketing

Ramses Meijer's career began in the hospitality industry, where he spent 14 years refining his skills in hotel sales and marketing. He held senior roles at several prestigious hotels, including the InterContinental DC & Chicago, Omni Hotels Dallas, Bel Air Hotel The Hague, and The Langham Hotel Chicago. In these positions, he developed a strong foundation in sales strategy, marketing, and leadership, which would later serve as the cornerstone of his success in the fintech and travel industries. His early career in hospitality provided him with invaluable insights into customer service, brand management, and the importance of fostering lasting client relationships.

Personal Life and Global Experience

Born in Doetinchem, Netherlands, Ramses pursued his education at NHL Stenden Hotel Management School, where he laid the groundwork for his future career in hospitality and beyond. In 1999, he relocated to the United States to complete his bachelor's degree in hospitality through a full-year internship with the Ritz-Carlton Company. This experience garnered him several awards for excellence.

Meijer's global perspective, shaped by his experiences living in multiple cities across the Netherlands and the United States, has profoundly influenced his approach to business and leadership. Fluent in English, Dutch, and German, he has adeptly navigated diverse cultural landscapes, enriching both his professional and personal life. He is married to April, and together they have a daughter, Maxime, as well as two dogs, Riley and Remy. He is deeply involved in his daughter's academic and extracurricular activities, serving as a coach for her YMCA volleyball and soccer teams. The family enjoys traveling, exploring new cultures, and embracing the outdoors, mainly through their adventures in the Carolina Mountains and annual ski trips to Utah and Colorado.

A Sports Enthusiast

Sports have always been an integral part of Ramses's life. Growing up in the Netherlands, soccer was a natural passion, a love he shared with his older brother Rogier, who is now a professional football coach in the Eredivisie. He played soccer competitively until the age of 33 before transitioning to marathon running and triathlons. His athletic achievements include completing the Chicago and Las Vegas marathons, the Louisville Ironman, and several half-ironman events. Recently, he has rekindled his passion for tennis, actively participating in local leagues such as the USTA and Queen City League in Charlotte while also enjoying the occasional game of pickleball.

Great Around the House

When he's not immersed in his professional responsibilities or athletic pursuits, Meijer enjoys channeling his energy into DIY projects around the house. His love for home improvement has led to the successful completion of several significant projects, including the construction of a new 25x20 composite deck, the installation of an 80-foot yard fence, and the building of an outdoor swing set. He has also undertaken significant interior renovations, such as updating the laundry room and adding a new backsplash and cabinetry to the fireplace. His dedication to home improvement reflects his broader commitment to excellence and his desire to create a welcoming, well-maintained environment for his family.

Contributing to the Community

Ramses Meijer and his family are deeply committed to giving back to their community. He actively volunteers as a coach at the YMCA, supports local food pantries and homeless shelters, and contributes to various charities each year. Through these efforts, he and his family aim to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others, embodying values of generosity, compassion, and community service. This commitment to philanthropy is a core aspect of his life, reflecting his dedication to fostering positive change both in his professional endeavors and in his personal life.