Matthias Leitzmann

Leading a trailblazing team from the ground up to build the engine powering modern TA & onboarding experiences and advancing business value creation in an AI-driven world.

Led the launch, build, and global scale of Mastercard’s Talent Discovery function - a 20+ person, future-ready Center of Excellence redefining the top of the Talent Acquisition funnel through an always-on, multi-touchpoint approach, advanced automation, and experience-led design. Built from the ground up, the function grew to influence thousands of hires annually across early-career, experienced, and executive segments through proactive, pipeline-driven strategies and close partnership across the talent organization. Oversaw direct sourcing, recruitment marketing, paid attraction, alumni engagement, and talent insights - driving millions in annual cost avoidance, faster hiring velocity, improved quality, and scalable global delivery. In parallel, led the selection, implementation, and optimization of an AI-augmented enterprise talent CRM and co-led the company’s global EVP transformation.

Built and led the global talent acquisition function at SessionM, overseeing end-to-end recruitment delivery, employer branding, TA operations, and post-acquisition integration with Mastercard. Hired and developed teams across North America and Europe, implemented a full TA tech stack, and eliminated $1M+ in agency spend while cutting overall recruiting costs by 50%. Designed a best-in-class talent advisory model and recruitment strategy that enabled the successful hiring of hard-to-find talent in a highly competitive market.

Responsible for the design and implementation of cost-effective and highly scalable corporate (in-house) talent acquisition programs for growing tech ventures. Achieved YOY and YTD revenue growth by introducing the company's first RPO solution as well as leading permanent and contract talent acquisition efforts.

Led talent acquisition function as well as European channel partner recruiting efforts. Implemented a hands-on direct sourcing strategy that reduced cost-per-hire and resulted in meeting critical staffing needs during the company's accelerated growth period, culminating with a successful acquisition by GN Audio/Jabra.

Founded and managed boutique search firm offering high-tech and international staffing and channel partner recruiting services. Personally completed 150+ search assignments on retained and RPO basis in New England, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, California, and Europe (Germany and UK).

Recruitment of software engineers, QA and technical support professionals for small as well as larger high-tech companies in the Boston area. Winner of multiple Top Biller & Service awards.