Matthew Vernhout

Matthew Vernhout

Principal Email Advisor · Email Industries

Canada, ON

In My Own Words

Hi there! My name is Matthew Vernhout and I'm the Principal Email Advisor for Email industries.

I'm a computer science grad from St. Clair College in Windsor, Ontario and have been working in the field for over 20 years. In 2008, I obtained my CIPP/C designation from the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP), so you could say I know a thing or two about privacy and data protection.

I'm also the founder of the Canadian Email Summit and EmailKarma, as well as the Communications Chair of the Authindicators Working Group. In my current role at Email Industries, I oversee the successful delivery of our clients emails through consultation on email delivery challenges and marketing strategy. I'm also involved in a number of other organizations and initiatives, including CAUCE, the ANA's Email Experience Council, the Video Game Ethics, Trust, and Safety working group (VGETS), and the Messaging, Malware, Mobile Anti-Abuse Working Group (M3AAWG).

Throughout my career, I've been recognized for my contributions to the email industry. In 2019, I was named the EEC Thought Leader of the Year and in 2010, I was named one of the Top 50 Marketing Bloggers in Canada. I'm also the co-author of the book 'A Complete Guide to e-Marketing under Canada's Anti-Spam Legislation' and have contributed to a number of other publications, including 250ok's DMARC Adoptions Among e-Retailers, The EEC’s Global Email Marketing Compliance Guide, and The Impact of CASL on Email Marketing.

Thanks for stopping by my profile! If you have any questions or just want to chat, don't hesitate to reach out.

Work Experience

Principal Email Advisor

Email Industries

2024 – Present

I work with the team of email consults to drive impactful results for our customers. With a keen focus on deliverability consulting and remediation, I spearhead initiatives to ensure that our clients' and partner's messages reach their intended audiences effectively and efficiently.

At the heart of my role lies strategic planning, where I collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop robust strategies that optimize email delivery performance. By staying ahead of industry trends and employing innovative approaches, I empower our clients to achieve their communication goals with precision and consistency.

In addition to my strategic responsibilities, I am deeply committed to fostering education and awareness within the email marketing community. Through public speaking engagements and educational outreach efforts, I strive to share actionable insights and best practices, empowering professionals to navigate the complexities of email deliverability with confidence.

Editor in Chief

EmailKarma Publishing

2007 – Present

EmailKarma Publishing: Established in July 2007, we are a dynamic content network deeply embedded within the online community. Our dedication to delivering insightful, captivating content has earned us a position as a trusted information source and discussion platform.

EmailKarma.net: Launched in July 2007, EmailKarma.net serves as our flagship platform, offering indispensable insights into the evolving email marketing landscape. Our expert team consistently contributes to industry dialogues, aiding businesses and professionals in staying ahead in the digital marketing arena.

Industry Involvement: - Canadian Email Summit: Our commitment to the email marketing community goes beyond blogging. We played a crucial role in conceiving and launching the Canadian Email Summit—a pioneering event addressing the lack of email-focused gatherings in Canada. In partnership with The Response Marketing Association, this full-day event brings professionals together to elevate email marketing practices. - Privacy Summit North: Our dedication extends to discussions on privacy and data protection. Our participation in Privacy Summit North reflects our commitment to meaningful dialogues and initiatives in the privacy domain.

Founder

Canadian Email Summit

2019 – Present

Recognizing the void in Canada's email marketing events landscape, the concept of the Canadian Email Summit was conceived. Through collaboration with The Response Marketing Association, the inaugural full-day event centered on email marketing in Canada was introduced in 2019.

Notable Contributions: - 2019: Sold-Out Success: Orchestrated the debut event, achieving a remarkable milestone by selling out the first-year event. - 2020: Virtual Engagement: Successfully transitioned to a virtual format, hosting an event that attracted over 110 participants. - 2021: Sustained Virtual Impact: Continued the virtual event format, attracting another robust participation of over 125 attendees. - 2022: Consistent Engagement: Maintained the momentum of virtual events with yet another participation of over 135 attendees. - 2023: Ongoing Event Planning: Currently in the process of planning the next edition of the event, ensuring its continuity and growth.

These accomplishments underline my dedication to fostering a thriving email marketing community in Canada. Let's connect to discuss how my experience can contribute to your initiatives.

Advisory Partner

Email Industries

2023 – 2024

A collaborative partner from outside the organization, providing strategic guidance and insights.

VP, Deliverability ENSA

Netcore Cloud

2020 – 2024

Notable Achievements: - Revenue Growth: Individual revenue contribution, exceeding $100K within my first year via strategic industry partnerships and optimizing deliverability strategies. - Email Infrastructure Migration: Contributed to management and migration of new email infrastructure, ensuring uninterrupted communication and operational efficiency. - Global Email Delivery Oversight: Led email delivery across Europe, North and South America, maintaining reliable communication for diverse international clients. - Tailored Consultations: Provided expert consultations to accounts across varied geographies, aligning strategies with unique market demands and cultural nuances. - Delivery Issue Resolution: Successfully resolved block listings and intricate delivery challenges, enhancing customer satisfaction and engagement. - Client Vetting Innovation: Pioneered client vetting practices in North America and Europe, enhancing credibility and fostering secure partnerships. - Podcast Management: Effectively curated content and sourced industry-leading guests for the company's podcast, amplifying thought leadership and influence. - Product Management: Spearheaded the launch of EmailDojo and internal tools, enhancing operational efficiency and strategic insights through advanced reporting. - Industry Relationships: Nurtured crucial ties with prominent bodies like M3AAWG, Email Experience Council, ANA, Only Influencers, advancing company reputation and reach.

January 2023 - April 2024: VP, Deliverability Europe, North & South America (ENSA) June 2020 - January 2023: VP, Deliverability North America

Director Privacy & Industry Relations

Validity Inc.

2020 – 2020

In March 2020, Validity inc acquired 250ok.

Director Privacy & Industry Relations

250ok

2017 – 2020

Individual Contributions: - Industry Evangelism: Acted as a prominent advocate at renowned industry events including Email Experience Council, ESPC, IAPP, Inbox Insider Summit, MAAWG, etc. Shared thought leadership, shaping industry narratives. - Strategic Storytelling: Instrumental in crafting and refining compelling industry narratives. Played a pivotal role in representing the company's vision and value proposition. - Compelling Presentations: Delivered impactful in-person demos and online presentations, effectively communicating complex business concepts to diverse audiences. - Thought Leadership: Elevated the company's profile and reputation through prolific content creation – blogs, industry comments, videos, podcasts, and whitepapers. - Client Engagement: Executed successful outreach campaigns to key clients, facilitating open channels between executive leadership, sales, marketing, and events teams. - Innovative Problem Solving: Developed delivery enhancement solutions, aiding clients in resolving intricate delivery issues. Offered expertise in SPF, DKIM, DMARC, TLS configurations. - Privacy Stewardship: Ensured rigorous compliance with privacy legislation, crafting and implementing policies, privacy risk assessments, and audits. Managed privacy-related processes and inquiries.

Chief Privacy Officer/Manager of Deliverability

Inbox Marketer

2013 – 2017

Notable Contributions: - Deliverability Excellence: Orchestrated strategies to optimize deliverability rates, collaborating with ISPs and implementing DMARC standards. - Privacy Compliance: Navigated complex privacy regulations, ensuring strict adherence for safeguarding client reputation and privacy interests. - Dynamic Leadership: Led a high-performing team, fostering critical thinking, customer-centricity, and deliverability success.

Director, Client Support & ISP Relations

TC Transcontinental

2006 – 2013

Key Accomplishments: - Leadership Excellence: Directed a cohesive email delivery and customer support team, achieving operational excellence and heightened customer satisfaction. - Platform Management: Spearheaded critical MTA management and migration, ensuring streamlined and efficient email delivery operations. - Global Integration: Successfully facilitated integration efforts with outsourced development and support teams based in India, fostering cross-border collaboration, operational synergy and 24x7 support operations. - Navigated multiple brand transitions, from Thindata 1:1 to Transcontinental Interactive, and ultimately to TC Transcontinental.

ISP Relations Manager

Epsilon Interactive

2000 – 2006

Key Achievements: - Nurturing ISP Relationships: Spearheaded the management of ISP relationships, playing a vital role in mitigating abuse and ensuring smooth postmaster interactions. - Critical Thinking: Tackled complex challenges with a strategic mindset, resolving issues efficiently. - Team Leadership: Managed and motivated a high-performing team, fostering collaboration and achievement. - Customer Service: Provided exceptional service to clients and marketers, enhancing relationships. - Email Expertise: Developed a profound understanding of email dynamics, contributing to successful campaigns. - Email Marketing Acumen: Acquired hands-on experience in crafting effective email marketing strategies.

Career Evolution: March 2006: Successfully navigated the transition as DoubleClick Email Solutions was acquired by Epsilon Interactive. Feb 2002: Earned a promotion to NOC Supervisor, illustrating adept leadership within network operations. Feb 2001: Demonstrated adaptability through DoubleClick's acquisition of Flonetwork. Oct 2000: Embarked as NOC Monitor for Flonetwork, laying the groundwork for my journey

Education

Computer Science and Information Programming

St. Clair College

1997 – 2000

Projects

Email Dojo

https://emaildojo.io/

An aI-driven free and unique email tools to elevate your email game. Discover, Fix and Explore endless email possibilities.

Interests

MusicPhotographyConcertsAnimals/wildlife

Skills

Email SystemsLeadershipCustomer SupportCollaborationLogical ReasoningSPFDKIMDMARCDomain Name System (DNS)Email StrategyEmail EtiquetteBoard AdministrationBoard GovernanceAMP EmailAnti-spamBoard of DirectorsCanada's Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL)CopywritingCritical ThinkingCustomer ServiceData PrivacyDeliverabilityDigital MarketingDigital StrategyEmail AuthenticationEmail MarketingE-commerceGlobal Application SupportManagementMicrosoft OutlookOnline MarketingPrivacy LawProduct ManagementPublic SpeakingTeam LeadershipSearch Engine Optimization (SEO)Social Media MarketingStrategic PartnershipsStrategyWeb AnalyticsWordPress

Industries

Tech

Activity

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Matthew Vernhout Founder, Author, Podcast Host, Public Speaker, Digital Marketing and Privacy Advocate · Posts · 2025-07-29

Exciting news!

1 like

Matthew Vernhout Founder, Author, Podcast Host, Public Speaker, Digital Marketing and Privacy Advocate · Posts · 2025-04-17

🇨🇦 Email Security in Canadian Politics: A 2025 Update 🇨🇦

2 likes

Matthew Vernhout Founder, Author, Podcast Host, Public Speaker, Digital Marketing and Privacy Advocate · Events · 2024-12-16

Inbox Expo is back, and this time we’re bringing the energy to Austin, Texas! As one of the most highly regarded events in the email marketing industry, Inbox Expo attracts a global audience of practitioners, entrepreneurs, and experts, bringing together brands and solutions providers to share their real-world experiences and expertise in email marketing.

Matthew Vernhout Founder, Author, Podcast Host, Public Speaker, Digital Marketing and Privacy Advocate · Events · 2024-09-16

Founded in 2019, The Canadian Email Summit gathers the industry’s best minds to share, explore, and discuss email marketing best practices in today’s marketplace.

Matthew Vernhout Founder, Author, Podcast Host, Public Speaker, Digital Marketing and Privacy Advocate · Posts · 2024-07-19

Inevitably when you change jobs people are going to ask you "What does your company do?" and at first I gave simple answers like "We help companies with deliverability and email reputation issues get better" but after a couple months of being here I have a much more detailed view of what Email Industries does.

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