Matt Hayter (Projectworks)
Overview
Matt Hayter is a prominent entrepreneur known for his role as the Founder and Chief Product Officer of Projectworks, a project management software company based in Wellington, New Zealand. A visionary in the field of business management software, Hayter has guided Projectworks from its inception into a notable platform within the global consulting industry. Originally developed within the professional services firm Provoke, Projectworks evolved into a standalone business in 2019, seeking to provide a comprehensive solution to project management needs.
Recent Developments
In recent years, Matt Hayter has been at the forefront of several strategic transformations within Projectworks, particularly focusing on international growth and leadership restructuring:
- April 2023: Matt Hayter stepped down as CEO of Projectworks, taking on the role of Chief Product Officer and President. This change was part of a strategic leadership reshuffle aimed at scaling the company’s global presence. Mark Orttung, a seasoned executive with a background in scaling tech firms like Nexient and Bill.com, was appointed as the new CEO to help drive Projectworks' expansion into the U.S. market.
- October 2024: Projectworks successfully completed a Series A funding round, raising USD $5 million with a valuation at NZD $100 million. Led by Bridgewest Group and supported by local venture capitalists like Punakaiki Fund, this funding aims to boost Projectworks' R&D capabilities and establish a development team in Silicon Valley, further rooting its presence in North America.
- The executive shuffle and fresh funding are part of Projectworks’ broader goal to create a significant footprint in the mid-market consulting services industry globally, particularly enhancing their positioning in the competitive U.S. market.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Matthew Hayter |
| Nationality | New Zealand |
| Occupation | Chief Product Officer, President |
| Known For | Founding Projectworks |
| Education | Victoria University of Wellington |
Early Life and Education
Matt Hayter was born and raised in New Zealand, where he later pursued higher education in business. He attended Victoria University of Wellington, which equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of business management. His educational background laid a strong foundation for his career in technology consulting and eventually, entrepreneurship. Early in his career, Hayter joined the professional services firm Provoke, where he contributed to various software development projects and eventually became instrumental in the creation of Projectworks.
Career and Notable Achievements
Matt Hayter's professional journey is marked by notable achievements in both consulting and entrepreneurship:
- Consulting Background: He began his career at Provoke, where he worked as a senior developer and eventually as a technical account manager. His role involved managing significant accounts and leading technical solutions for prominent clients.
- Founding Projectworks: In 2016, Hayter played a crucial role in spinning off Projectworks from Provoke. What began as an in-house project management tool was transformed into a global business management platform, catering specifically to the needs of consulting firms.
- Growth and Innovation: Under his leadership, Projectworks has seen significant growth, including substantial international expansion, particularly in North America. Hayter has been pivotal in integrating contemporary technological advancements like AI into the platform to ensure that Projectworks remains competitive and innovative.
Current Work and Impact
As of 2024, Matt Hayter focuses on driving the product strategy at Projectworks, emphasizing product development and market expansion. His role as Chief Product Officer allows him to channel his passion for technology and innovation by overseeing product enhancements and aligning them with market needs. Hayter's impact is seen in the way Projectworks supports over 500 mid-market consultancies globally, providing them with comprehensive tools to enhance operational efficiency and profitability.
Conclusion
Matthew Hayter stands out as a dynamic leader and innovator in the tech-driven project management sector. His transition from CEO to Chief Product Officer reflects a strategic pivot towards enhancing Projectworks' technological capabilities and product offerings. With ongoing expansions in major markets such as the United States, Hayter's influence and leadership continue to shape Projectworks into a seminal entity within the consulting industry. The company's recent funding success and strategic appointments signal a robust trajectory towards achieving Hayter's vision of making Projectworks an indispensable tool for consultancies worldwide.