Ramses "Rams" Meijer is a highly skilled operator with an impressive track record in managing multi-million dollar businesses within the fintech and travel industries. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a deep understanding of online technology, effectively overseeing all aspects, including product management, marketing, sales, analytics, business development, call centers, and operations. He is known for his ability to lead large, geographically dispersed teams, fostering rapid optimizations, sustainable growth, and the development of long-term strategic plans. His leadership is characterized by a holistic approach, integrating diverse business operations to drive success and maintain a competitive edge in the market.
Leveraging his extensive industry experience, Meijer founded WerkMagic, a North Carolina-based full-service property management, marketing, and consulting company. As the CEO of WerkMagic, he has applied his vast expertise in sales and marketing strategy, people management, company culture, online marketplaces, and organizational leadership to the company's operations. WerkMagic offers essential services to short-term rental owners, and under his guidance, the company is positioned for significant growth. His strategic vision and leadership are the driving forces behind WerkMagic's ambitious growth plans, ensuring that the company delivers unparalleled value to its clients while navigating the complexities of the property management industry.
During his nearly five years at LendingTree, Ramses quickly established himself as a key player within the organization. His journey began as General Manager, where he was responsible for managing credit cards, student loans, and auto loans. His exceptional performance in this role led to his promotion to Vice President of General Management Operations and subsequently to Senior Vice President of General Management Operations for all of LendingTree's lending marketplace businesses. In these roles, he was entrusted with managing a $700 million annual revenue portfolio, where he oversaw P&L, business strategy, operations, and execution across ten business lines and six brands.
Meijer was instrumental in delivering strategic direction across multiple business lines, including auto loans, business loans, credit cards, credit repair, debt relief, deposits, home equity, home purchase, home refinance, and personal loans. He led core vertical teams, including General Managers, Product, Sales, Marketing, Analytics, Finance, and Tech, to execute strategies that drove growth and solidified LendingTree's market position. Notably, he played a crucial role in the successful exit of Ovation.com and the integration of other acquired brands into the LendingTree family. His efforts in business development, including negotiating and signing partnerships with industry giants like Acxiom, CNN, Google, MSN, Equifax, Experian, TransUnion, and Bulldog Media, further underscore his strategic insight.
Before his tenure at LendingTree, Ramses Meijer spent six years at Expedia Group, where he held several pivotal positions, culminating in his role as General Manager of North American brands, including Orbitz, Travelocity, and CheapTickets. His leadership at Expedia was marked by his ability to spearhead innovative and impactful brand campaigns for Orbitz, such as "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 enhanced brand recognition but also established deep connections with diverse customer segments. His career at Expedia is a testament to his consistent delivery of results, as reflected in his three promotions over six years.
Ramses's professional journey began in the hotel sales and marketing sector, where he accumulated 14 years of invaluable experience. He held key roles at prestigious hotels, including the InterContinental in Washington, DC, and Chicago, where he served as Senior/Sales Manager. He also held the position of Director of Sales at Omni Hotels Dallas, Bel Air Hotel The Hague, and The Langham Hotel Chicago. In these roles, he was responsible for driving revenue growth, developing strategic sales and marketing plans, and establishing strong client relationships. His early career in hospitality provided him with a solid foundation in customer service and leadership, which he has effectively applied throughout his subsequent roles in the fintech and travel industries.
Born in Doetinchem, The Netherlands, Meijer's life and career have been shaped by his international experiences. He attended NHL Stenden Hotel Management School in the Netherlands and later moved to the United States in September 1999 to complete his bachelor's degree in hospitality. During this time, he undertook a full-year internship at The Ritz-Carlton Company, where he earned several awards for his exemplary performance. He is fluent in English, Dutch, and German, and his diverse experiences include living in cities such as Doetinchem, Leeuwarden, Atlanta, Washington, DC, Chicago, Dallas, and Charlotte. These experiences have endowed him with a global perspective, which he applies in both his professional endeavors and personal life.
Ramses Meijer is a dedicated family man, married to his wife, April, with whom he shares a daughter, Maxime, and two dogs, Riley and Remy. He is actively involved in Maxime's academic and sports activities, serving as her coach for YMCA volleyball and soccer teams. The Meijer family enjoys spending time together, whether traveling the world, exploring new adventures, or immersing themselves in nature. They have a particular affinity for the Carolina Mountains and make annual ski trips to Utah and Colorado. He places great value on maintaining a balance between his professional commitments and his family life, ensuring that both are fulfilling and enriching.
Sports have always been a central part of Ramses's life. Growing up in the Netherlands, soccer was a significant part of his upbringing, a passion he pursued until the age of 33. His older brother, Rogier, is a professional football coach for the Dutch Eredivisie club NEC, reflecting the family's deep connection to the sport. After stepping away from soccer, he embraced new challenges, including marathon running and triathlons. He completed the Chicago and Las Vegas marathons in 2015 and 2016 and the Louisville Ironman in 2018, showcasing his commitment to fitness and perseverance. More recently, he has taken up tennis and pickleball, actively participating in local leagues in Charlotte.
Beyond his professional and athletic pursuits, Meijer is passionate about DIY projects and home improvement. He takes great pride in maintaining and enhancing his home, recently completing several significant projects, including building a new 25x20 composite deck, an 80-foot yard fence, and an outdoor swing set. He also undertook interior renovations, such as rebuilding the laundry room and installing new cabinetry and a backsplash in the family's fireplace. His hands-on approach to these projects reflects his attention to detail and his commitment to creating a comfortable and well-maintained home environment for his family.
Ramses Meijer is deeply committed to giving back to his community, embodying the values of leadership and compassion. He actively volunteers with various organizations, including coaching at the YMCA, assisting at food pantries, and supporting homeless shelters. He and his family also contribute financially to several charities each year, demonstrating their dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of others. Through his volunteer work and philanthropic efforts, he strives to help those in need and contribute to the well-being of his community, leaving a lasting legacy of service and generosity.