Experienced Executive Takes Helm in 2024
Wouter Waaijenberg is set to assume the role of CEO at software developer Nétive VMS starting in June 2024, succeeding Patrick Tiessen, who has led the company for two decades since its inception. Waaijenberg brings a wealth of experience to this role, having previously served as the Commercial and MSP Director at Circle8 (formerly known as the Staffing Group), FixedToday, and People for Office. Additionally, he held the position of General Manager at Staffing Management Services (Staffing MS), which is now part of the HeadFirst Group.
Nétive VMS, an organisation with over 70 dedicated team members, holds a prominent market position in the Netherlands and has a strong presence in the UK and Belgium. The company has ambitious plans to expand its international footprint. Waaijenberg expressed his enthusiasm for the role, stating, “I have been following Nétive VMS with great interest and have been a customer and partner for many years. After getting to know my new colleagues in the first few weeks, I can say with even more enthusiasm that I am immensely motivated to bring my knowledge and experience to my new role.”
He added, “Nétive has achieved a remarkable position in the professional staffing market, and we have established a solid foundation for the next phase.”
This leadership transition comes on the heels of Nétive VMS’s 20th anniversary celebration in November 2023. Outgoing CEO Tiessen remarked, “Passing the baton at this moment feels exceptionally good. Together with Chris Neddermeijer and Leon Vet, we started with the automation of hourly tracking only. Now, our VMS platform has become a Total Talent Suite. With this achievement, Nétive VMS has acquired a remarkable position in the professional staffing market and created an excellent starting point for the next phase.”
Tiessen emphasized the company’s commitment to independence and customer-centric values, saying, “What I’m particularly proud of in our 20-year history is that we’ve remained independent. Additionally, our customers have never had to wait in line for contact; accessibility and flexibility have always been our priority. These have been essential components of our growth, and they will continue to be.”
Tiessen will maintain his connection to Nétive VMS as an owner and shareholder, focusing on strategic partnerships. Waaijenberg, who joined Nétive VMS in September, will officially assume the role of Operations Director in January 2024 and will become CEO in June 2024.
Currently collaborating with over 300 organisations in the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Belgium, Waaijenberg intends to enhance the visibility of Nétive VMS domestically and internationally. He explained, “With the complete, enhanced product we have, it’s time to show potential customers what we have to offer comprehensively.”
Waaijenberg elaborated on the company’s evolving role in the digital market, stating, “The digitalisation of the market is progressing at an increasingly rapid pace. This means we are going beyond just being a VMS. With our new product, Nétive Connect, we can integrate with many renowned systems and platforms used by customers and partners alongside Nétive VMS. This enables us to digitally connect hiring organizations, partners, and suppliers, allowing them to exchange essential data in a secure automated manner. Nétive Connect serves as the independent platform acting as a hub for the Total Talent Ecosystem towards customers, partners, and suppliers.”
In conclusion, as the incoming CEO, Waaijenberg expressed his vision for Nétive VMS, stating, “With two decades of expertise in the VMS market, we’ve continually evolved and explored our capabilities to better Nétive. A successful future lies in the synergy of our dedicated team, together with our valued customers and trusted partners. The labor market is a place where we can make a difference together and where we are eager to connect for a better labor market. Nétive VMS is proudly known as ‘workforce technology with a heartbeat,’ a core essence we will embed for years to come.”