Matthijs Crietee

International Apparel Federation

Secretary General

Description

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 also helped the Dutch fashion industry to get full recognition as part of one of the ‘top sectors’ in the Netherlands. 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 from in total over 40 countries on all continents with a strong emphasis on manufacturers and small and medium sized brands. Together with an IAF member organization, 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.