Virtua Announces Opening Of New Amsterdam Office & Appointment Of Matthew Gyeni To Lead Global Digital Hub

Introducing Matthew Gyeni

There are exciting times ahead for Virtua, who are onto the next phase of their growth journey. The executive search consultancy’s founders, James Watson & Charles Mardon, set up the company in 2022. Now, just a little over 12 months later, the organisation is proud to announce the opening of a new office based in the heart of Amsterdam centrum on the famous Herengracht canal.

The new arm will officially manage e-commerce and digital recruitment for European and global markets, allowing Virtua’s UK HQ to concentrate on its ever-expanding UK operations in sales, marketing, operations, finance, and product creation.

Responsible for heading up the Amsterdam function is Matthew Gyeni – an experienced international E-commerce Director with a wealth of expertise across the fashion and sporting goods industries.

Having progressed through the ranks of major fashion brands such as PVH Corp (Tommy Hilfiger), Ben Sherman & Jack Wills, Matt brings with him exceptional experience of managing large commercial teams in multi-million-pound enterprises. Most recently working as a business consultant specialising in e-commerce growth and acceleration, Matt hopes to use his vast knowledge of e-commerce, and many other industries, to help accelerate further growth at Virtua.

Bringing a unique perspective

Matt, who was born and bred in Tottenham, has lived and worked in Amsterdam for the past decade. After making the move for a role with a multinational fashion brand, Matt fell in love with the city.

He started his career at Brooks Brothers and has spent 15 years in e-commerce – something that now sets Virtua Exec apart in their space. MD, James, comments, “I’ve known Matt for about the last five years and always admired his approach to life and business, so I knew he’d be a great fit for Virtua – I’ve actually placed Matt into a senior digital leadership role in the past and it was a pleasure collaborating with him. The fact we’ve been able to bring in someone in so quickly with Matt’s acumen and who has worked in our industry is immensely unique. I’m excited about what the future will bring.”

Matt agrees. “I’ve always admired James’ ambition. He’s never been about ‘bums on seats’ and cares more than an average head-hunter would. I always said he should start a business and am thrilled to now be joining him.” Matt adds, “The huge advantage I bring to Virtua Exec is I’ve been on both sides of the fence. That means I can confidently connect with candidates on their level about the kinds of e-commerce roles I’ve worked in myself, but also have exclusive insight into the challenges faced by clients. I know what potential looks like and understand what people are trying to achieve. I know how to grow businesses and build successful, winning teams.”

A strategy of diversity

The immediate focus at Virtua’s new Amsterdam base will be to build a network of the strongest executive candidates and to meet with major players from across Europe. The strategy will concentrate heavily on diversity, something that the whole team, but particularly Matt, are passionate about.

Matt explains “We want the best quality candidates with all the abilities and capabilities required, but also the most diverse range of candidates. There are so many fantastic people across the industry. We don’t want to simply copy and paste.”

He cites having encountered the same ‘type’ of leaders repeatedly over his years in the industry. “A lot of execs tend to be red [on colour-based psychometric insights]. But we’re looking for different leadership styles. Different colours. And not just in terms of psychometrics testing. We’re looking for people from all backgrounds, ethnicities, genders, sexual preferences, ages, and abilities.”

Matt, whose own parents are from Ghana, explains, “I was given a chance and I wouldn’t be where I am now otherwise. No-one wants charity, but I do want everyone to be given the same opportunity. So long as people are capable of doing a role, nothing else comes into it.”

Counting himself fortunate to do what he loves; Matt admits he’s passionate about e-commerce. He’s also into fashion and owns far too many pairs of sneakers! Luckily, they’re put to good use during his other hobbies - cycling and HIIT. Matt’s also found a recent passion for property development and is currently developing several projects in Ghana, sharing, “The progress and development of that area is really close to my heart.”

The start of a new chapter

Now ready to put his extensive skillset to use at Virtua Exec, Matt concludes, “Not many people in the recruitment world have crossed over from inside the e-commerce industry. Amsterdam’s an exciting, bustling city with a great pool of candidates. I can’t wait to get stuck in and see what we can achieve.”

Virtua Exec’s Amsterdam office is now open and ready for business. Interested to know how we could help you to achieve your goals? Whether candidate or client, get in touch to find out more about how we can work together.