Meet Maikel Mesak, the new Managing Director of WFS PRO
Sometimes you meet someone and immediately feel: this is the right fit. You get that same feeling when you talk to Maikel. He recently became the new Managing Director of WFS PRO, and his arrival marks the start of a new chapter—for the organization, but also for him personally.
We sat down with him to talk about his background, his motivations, and his vision for the future of WFS PRO.
A down-to-earth man from Limburg with a clear vision
Maikel Mesak lives in Swalmen with his wife Saskia and their two sons. He describes himself as a down-to-earth Limburger with a keen eye for business and for people. That combination also characterizes his approach to work: results-oriented, but always with an eye for the human side.
His career began in technical staffing, after which he went on to develop his expertise in RPO and MSP models. In recent years, he served as Business Director at a machinery manufacturer in the high-tech and medical sectors. There, he led both sales and project management teams; this broad experience helps him quickly get to the heart of complex client needs.
“My technical background helps me quickly grasp clients’ needs. This allows me to contribute to the discussion and understand what an organization truly needs. That builds trust with both clients and our professionals.”
“The relationship comes before the transaction”
Anyone who talks to Maikel quickly realizes that relationships matter more to him than just numbers. His motto perhaps sums it up best:the relationship comes before the transaction.
“Whether it’s customers, employees, or candidates, genuine connection is at the heart of everything we do. When you invest in a lasting relationship, results follow naturally.”
That vision aligns perfectly with the way WFS PRO has been operating for years. Nevertheless, Maikel sees plenty of opportunities to further develop the organization.
A deliberate choice for WFS PRO
Maikel’s move to WFS PRO is no coincidence.
“My goal was to take overall responsibility for an organization with real potential,” he says. “WFS PRO has that potential. The challenge of working with the team to build a solid, scalable foundation really appealed to me.”
What appeals to him most? The combination of ambition, entrepreneurship, and room for growth. “This is a wonderful opportunity to systematically build a future-proof organization.”
Leadership with a focus on people
As Managing Director, Maikel is responsible for the direction, strategy, and day-to-day management of WFS PRO. In doing so, he consciously adopts a leadership style that is both people-oriented and clear.
“I want to bring out the best in people. That also means you sometimes have to step outside your comfort zone,” he explains. “By consciously seeking out discomfort every now and then, we foster growth on a personal level, as a team, and as an organization.”
At the same time, he sees it as his responsibility to help people adapt to changes and developments. “By nature, I want to achieve results quickly. For me, the challenge sometimes lies in consciously slowing down, so that everyone understands why we make certain choices and can move in the same direction together.”
His main principle is clear:the relationship comes before the transaction.
“Whether it’s customers, employees, or candidates, genuine connection forms the foundation for lasting collaboration.”
Building a Future-Proof WFS PRO
In the coming period, Maikel will focus on building and strengthening the company. His ambition is clear: to turn WFS PRO into a scalable, future-proof organization that continues to grow even in challenging market conditions.
“I see WFS PRO as a partner that doesn’t just fulfill requests, but also advises and challenges us. We truly want to help our clients move forward, especially when the situation gets complex.”
Technology plays an important role in this, but we never lose sight of the human factor. “I strive to elevate our internal organization to the next level by combining a human touch with smart technological tools, so that we can deliver our services in an even more customer-focused way. Because we are the guide for our clients, our employees, and our candidates.”
Distinguished by service and commitment
According to Maikel, what makes WFS PRO unique is the level of engagement with employees and customers.
“Our service goes above and beyond. We assist our employees with just about everything: from arranging flights and housing to helping with tax returns. That personal touch and genuine desire to help others is energizing. That’s something you can’t replicate.”
He describes the culture at WFS PRO as open, solution-oriented, and service-oriented. “We think in terms of possibilities. If we can’t do it, we know someone who can.”
A Vision for the Labor Market: Collaboration and Development
Drawing on his experience, Maikel keeps a close eye on developments in the technical job market. He believes that the labor shortage will remain a key factor in the coming years, partly due to an aging workforce and increasing specialization.
“Customers are increasingly asking for highly specialized domain knowledge, but this creates a sluggish market. Employees with that knowledge often have limited options, as they can only find work at a handful of companies within the same field.”
But that is precisely where Maikel sees opportunities: “Competitors should actually work together to jointly hire certain skills through a shared platform. WFS PRO can and wants to be that platform and develop it. That is the next step in smart labor market solutions.”
He also sees a solution in international recruitment. “There are international professionals at every level. This is not only due to the tight labor market, but also because of the rapid pace of technological developments. The Netherlands has only a handful of educational institutions, and they alone are not capable of filling all technical job openings. It is precisely by recruiting internationally and leveraging expertise from abroad that we can continue to thrive in knowledge-intensive industries. Those who don’t organize this now will soon fall behind.”
Culture as the key to success
What do companies need to do today to be successful tomorrow? According to Maikel, the answer is simple:
“Culture, culture, culture. Ultimately, people are driven by how they feel. Salary and job title are important, but culture is what keeps people here. That’s why we match candidates not only on their skills, but also on their cultural fit and career goals.”
Building the next phase together
With Maikel at the helm, a new phase is beginning—one in which professionalization, growth, and personalized attention go hand in hand. His combination of technical expertise, business acumen, and people-oriented approach aligns perfectly with the ambitions of WFS PRO.
“My goal is for customers, employees, and partners to look upon WFS PRO with pride. If we achieve that together, then we will truly be successful.”
