About Ramses Meijer

Ramses "Rams" Meijer is a seasoned professional with a proven track record in managing multi-million-dollar enterprises across the fintech and travel sectors. His expertise spans the full spectrum of online technology management, encompassing product management, marketing, sales, analytics, business development, call center operations, and more. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated an exceptional ability to lead large, geographically diverse teams, driving rapid optimizations, sustainable growth, and the implementation of long-term strategic initiatives. His leadership style emphasizes innovation and a commitment to excellence, which have been critical to his success in these highly competitive industries.

Strategic Leadership at WerkMagic

Drawing on his extensive experience in the fintech and travel industries, Ramses founded WerkMagic, a full-service property management, marketing, and consulting firm based in North Carolina. As the owner and CEO, he has leveraged his deep knowledge of sales and marketing strategy, people management, company culture, online marketplace operations, and organizational leadership to steer WerkMagic toward rapid growth. The company offers a wide range of critical services tailored to the needs of short-term rental owners, ensuring that they remain competitive in a dynamic market. Under his strategic direction, WerkMagic is poised for significant expansion, driven by his vision for excellence and his ability to adapt to changing market conditions.

Achievements at LendingTree

Rams Meijer's tenure at LendingTree, which spanned nearly five years, was marked by a series of notable accomplishments that underscored his strategic insight and leadership capabilities. He began his journey at the online lending marketplace as General Manager, responsible for overseeing credit cards, student loans, and auto loans. His performance quickly earned him a promotion to Vice President of General Management Operations, and later, he ascended to the role of Senior Vice President of General Management Operations, overseeing all of LendingTree's lending marketplace businesses.

In these roles, Ramses was tasked with managing an impressive $700 million in annual revenue, with full responsibility for the P&L, business strategy, operations, and execution. The LendingTree Marketplace, under his guidance, included ten distinct business lines and six brands, including LendingTree, CompareCards, DepositAccounts, MagnifyMoney, SnapCap, and ValuePenguin. His leadership was instrumental in aligning the company's strategic goals with the capabilities of its core vertical teams, which included General Managers, Product, Sales, Marketing, Analytics, Finance, and Tech. His ability to deliver effective strategies for each business line significantly contributed to LendingTree's overall success.

Leadership in Brand Integration and Business Development

During his time at LendingTree, Ramses Meijer played a pivotal role in the successful exit of Ovation.com and the integration of other acquired brands into the leading LendingTree brand. His long-term strategic vision for business loans and his efforts to improve conversion rates in the company's credit card vertical were critical to the company's financial performance. As Senior Vice President, he focused on business loans, personal loans, and debt relief, driving quarter-over-quarter acquisition growth and delivering positive financial impacts to the overall LendingTree P&L.

In addition to his internal achievements, Meijer was also instrumental in negotiating and signing key business development partnerships with major industry players, including Acxiom, CNN, Google, MSN, Equifax, Experian, TransUnion, and Bulldog Media. These partnerships further solidified LendingTree's position as a leader in the online lending marketplace, thanks in large part to his strategic insights and ability to forge strong, mutually beneficial relationships.

Pioneering Marketing Initiatives at Expedia Group

Before his successful tenure at LendingTree, Ramses spent six years at Expedia Group, where he held several key positions, culminating in his role as General Manager of North American brands, including Orbitz, Travelocity, and CheapTickets. During his time at Expedia, he spearheaded a number of innovative brand campaigns, including "Just Like That," "Travel with Pride," "Santas in Santa Monica," "National Spoil Your Dog Day with Orbitz," and "It's a Great Big World." These campaigns not only strengthened brand recognition but also resonated with diverse audiences, reflecting his ability to connect with consumers through creative and impactful marketing strategies.

Meijer's career progression at Expedia was marked by his rapid ascent through the ranks, with three promotions in just six years. This trajectory mirrored his later success at LendingTree, highlighting his consistent ability to deliver results, drive growth, and lead teams to success in competitive markets.

Early Career in Hotel Sales and Marketing

Ramses Meijer's professional journey began in the hospitality industry, where he spent 14 years developing 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 honed his expertise in sales strategy, marketing, and leadership, laying a solid foundation for his later success in the fintech and travel industries. His early experiences in hospitality provided him with valuable insights into customer service, brand management, and the importance of building solid and enduring relationships with clients.

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 moved to the United States to complete his bachelor's degree in hospitality through a full-year internship with the Ritz-Carlton Company. This experience not only equipped him with practical skills but also earned him several awards, highlighting his dedication and commitment to excellence.

Meijer's global perspective, shaped by his experiences living in various cities across the Netherlands and the United States, has greatly influenced his approach to business and leadership. Fluent in English, Dutch, and German, he has successfully navigated diverse cultural landscapes, enriching 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 actively involved in his daughter's academic and sports activities, serving as a coach for her YMCA volleyball and soccer teams. As a family, they enjoy traveling, exploring new cultures, and spending time outdoors, particularly in the Carolina Mountains and on annual ski trips to destinations like Utah and Colorado.

A Sports Enthusiast and Athletic Achiever

Sports have always been a significant part of Ramses's life. Growing up in the Netherlands, soccer was a central passion, one 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, after which he transitioned to marathon running and triathlons. His athletic accomplishments include completing the Chicago and Las Vegas marathons, the Louisville Ironman, and several half-ironman events. In recent years, he has rekindled his love for tennis, participating in local leagues such as the USTA and Queen City League in Charlotte and occasionally playing pickleball.

DIY Enthusiast and Community Contributor

When he's not engaged in professional pursuits or athletic activities, Ramses Meijer enjoys taking on DIY projects around the house. His passion for home improvement has led to the successful completion of several significant projects, including building a new 25x20 composite deck, constructing an 80-foot yard fence, and installing an outdoor swing set.

He has also undertaken interior renovations, such as rebuilding the laundry room and adding a new backsplash and cabinetry to the fireplace. His hands-on approach to home improvement reflects his broader commitment to excellence in all areas of life.

In addition to his interests, Meijer is deeply committed to giving back to his community. He volunteers as a coach at the YMCA, supports local food pantries and homeless shelters, and contributes to several charities each year. Through these efforts, he and his family strive to make a positive impact on the lives of others, reflecting their values of generosity, compassion, and community involvement.