Matthijs’ (Masters degree in International Economics and Economic Geography) career is fully focused on the fashion industry. As Deputy Director of the Dutch Fashion Industry Association MODINT he build up an important part of MODINT’s consultancy, specializing on trade policy, sourcing, export support and sustainability. He joined the International Apparel Federation in 2012 and since 2014 he is its Secretary General. The IAF has become a major force in the global apparel industry representing the interests of apparel industry associations and (large) apparel manufacturing groups from in total over 40 countries on all continents. Together with an IAF member organization and with the IAF’s sister federation ITMF, Matthijs every year organizes the influential IAF”s World Fashion Convention which acts as a major global industry meeting place and knowledge platform. IAF is co-initiator of the STTI, the 10 country, 13 association collaboration of garment manufacturing associations created to add the manufacturers’ voice and expertise to the crucial topic of the improvement of purchasing practices. Matthijs feels very strongly about the education of the industry’s future managers and, as much as he can, teaches and guides students at various Dutch fashion management schools. Passionate about the opportunity to help build an industry that takes better care of its people he has just joined the Board of Directors of Fair Wear.