Panda Perspectives: Denzel Gieling

Denzel Gieling on Strategic Growth, Leadership, and What Clients Really Want

Denzel didn’t plan to go into recruitment, but once he stepped into the world of high performance and meaningful outcomes, the fit was clear. Now Vice President of Client Services at Panda, he’s built his career on a blend of commercial focus, strategic thinking, and a sharp understanding of what clients really need.

Getting Started: Finding Purpose in Performance

How did recruitment come into the picture for you?

It’s actually quite funny - recruitment wasn’t on my radar at all. I started in sales when I was 21, and what drew me in was the ability to see the impact of my work almost immediately. But recruitment specifically gave that impact more depth - you’re not just hitting numbers, you’re helping people make life-changing decisions and supporting companies as they grow. That mix of high performance and meaningful outcomes felt like the right fit from the start.

What’s changed most about the industry since you started?
Client expectations. It used to be enough to deliver good CV's quickly. But now, that’s the bare minimum. Clients expect you to act like a true business partner. They want market intelligence, scalable solutions, and someone who understands what’s going on internally in their organisation - not just externally. Recruitment has shifted from transactional to strategic partnerships, and if you haven’t evolved with that, you’re going to get left behind.

 

Client Partnerships: From Delivery to Strategy

What makes a strong client relationship in your eyes?
Consistency and clarity. You need to be able to execute well, every time - but also communicate openly. Listening matters just as much as delivering. And clients need to know that if something won’t work, you’re going to be honest about it and offer a better alternative. That’s how trust is built.

Can you share an example of a client relationship that grew into something more strategic?
Eurofins is a great example. We started off with a single urgent vacancy, just a quick support request. But the delivery and communication were strong, and the relationship kept building from there. Now, we’re a preferred supplier. We’ve moved from filling roles to being part of their workforce planning. That kind of evolution only happens when you show up consistently and genuinely add value.

How do you support clients going through big changes like scaling or restructuring?
First, I try to get a real understanding of what’s driving the change. Is it growth? A transformation? A restructuing? Once that’s clear, we build a plan that removes complexity and gives the client confidence that we can deliver. That could mean forecasting their hiring needs, spotting capability gaps, or creating a scalable delivery model. The key is not just reacting, but getting ahead of the curve.

Are you seeing any shifts in how clients want to work with recruiters?
Yes, there’s a real focus on value over volume. Clients want partners who can integrate with their processes, act quickly, and bring real insights. It’s not just about speed anymore; it’s about speed with quality. Data matters more. Specialisation matters more. There’s a clear move away from “just send me CVs” to “help me make the right hire, the right way.”

Leadership: Enabling Growth in Others

What helped you grow into a leadership role?
I was intentional about it. I knew I didn’t just want to be the top biller — I wanted to build something with lasting impact. That meant staying coachable, seeking out the right mentors, and taking ownership, even when things got tough. I’ve always had a strong commercial mindset, and I think that helped me not just hit targets but move the business forward.

 

How do you support new team members at Panda?
My role involves a lot of cross-collaboration with team managers. We work closely to stay aligned on expectations and make sure consultants are supported during key client processes. I coach where needed and make sure people have clarity on what “good” looks like. The aim is always to create an environment where people can take ownership early on and learn fast.

Looking Ahead: Scaling with Intention

What’s unique about how Panda works with clients?
We move fast - and we’re all in. There’s a strong focus on quality, specialisation, and building real partnerships. We don’t chase shortcuts or quick wins. We operate with urgency, but never at the expense of trust or consistency. That’s why clients rely on us when others can’t deliver.

What are you most excited about in the next 6–12 months?
Scaling the team - but doing it properly. The foundation is solid, and now it’s about growing with the right people, the right processes, and the right clients. We’ve got an opportunity to deepen our relationships with key accounts and really embed ourselves in their long-term strategy. That’s exciting to me.

Ready to move away from transactional recruitment?

Clients are asking more from their recruitment partners -  and rightly so. If you're looking for someone who can bring insight, challenge assumptions, and scale delivery without compromising quality, we're here to help. Connect with Denzel to discover what a strategic recruitment partnership can really look like.

📞 Call Denzel on +31 6 11 13 15 74
📧 Or email on: d.gieling@panda-int.com