About Matt Wessels

Hi, I’m Mattheus Wessels (also known as Rikus), a South African passionate about bringing together people, ideas, and opportunities. With over 14 years of professional experience, my journey has included leadership roles in recruitment, talent acquisition, education management, and teaching, enriched by the privilege of living and working in fascinating places like Georgia and South Korea.

I currently serve as an Associate Recruitment Consultant at Apsida Life Science, specializing in talent acquisition for the CDMO (Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization) space within the pharmaceutical industry. In this role, I help innovative life science companies connect with the exceptional talent they need to grow, scale, and transform healthcare delivery.

My perspective is shaped by studying International Studies and History at Stellenbosch University (with further studies in Belgium and Germany) and earning a Master’s in International Human Resources Management from the Rome Business School. I thrive on inspiring others and creating meaningful connections, bringing energy, creativity, and adaptability to every project.

Known for being outgoing, reliable, and nurturing, I excel at motivating people to rally behind challenging and important goals. Whether I’m leading cross-cultural teams, designing impactful learning programs, or recruiting the right talent, my focus is always on fostering environments where people and organizations can truly thrive.

Beyond my professional life, my passion for travel allows me to connect with diverse cultures and deepen my global understanding. Along the way, I enjoy diving into geopolitical landscapes (I love a good map!), keeping up with current affairs, and discovering new wines.

Think we could build something impactful together? I’d love to connect.