Melani French is the Managing Director of DVT Netherlands, which is expanding DVT Software South Africa, a Dynamic Technologies group company, into Europe. French’s focus is on building bridges between the Netherlands and South Africa and her role places her at the intersection of business development, client engagement, talent orchestration and IT services.
DVT is a software company with people at its heart. It’s a people-first community with a strong sense of purpose and high values. With almost 14 years at DVT, French says, “The DVT culture of excellence with heart has been a constant theme. We value delivery, and we also deeply value people, growth, integrity and purpose. It’s a place where you can be yourself, be heard and build a meaningful career while making a real difference.”
French explains, “We don’t just ship code. We nurture relationships, empower clients and grow careers. DVT has given me room to lead, innovate and serve, and I’m proud to be part of an organisation that values excellence and ethics.”
French’s core strength (According to Gallup Strength Finder) is Connectedness. “My role entails providing clients with both access to world-class IT talent and digital solutions by tapping into DVT’s 25 years’ experience in the field, as well as a fit-for-purpose solution to the local Netherlands market. Some of our teams offer services from South Africa and some are onsite in the Netherlands.”
She adds, “My position is all about connecting the dots between people, opportunities and capabilities across borders for our consultants and our clients. I enable growth by helping clients in the Netherlands leverage the exceptional tech skills we have in South Africa as a cost-effective solution to projects. I help connect business, projects, clients, talent, delivery, leadership and budget to make a positive impact on our clients, our consultants and our bottom line.”
For French, the DVT culture of intentionally investing in connection between colleagues and team members ensures the stability and sustainability of those relationships and ultimately, the company and the services it delivers. “From regular virtual check-ins, team stand-ups and community events, to deeper relationship-building through regional visits and sharing of meals, we make sure people feel seen, heard and valued, no matter where they are.
“Every quarter we host a DVT FRIENDS event in the Netherlands to connect DVT local staff, ex-staff and DVT friends,” explains French. “Our first get-together was held in June 2024. It was a vibey evening of snacks and drinks and it brought together many leaders and consultants from both SA and Europe. Traditional South African treats were welcomed, and we were the loudest group in the restaurant in Utrecht as we connected and shared thoughts! It reminded us that relationships and connections are key, even in a digital world.”
The importance of these connections and the benefit to individuals and the team, cannot be underestimated. According to French, “When you meet face-to-face, even briefly, it strengthens everything else: communication, collaboration, empathy. These interactions deepen the sense of belonging and alignment with our staff and our DVT Friends from South Africa. They create shared memories and context, which energises immigrants.
“Being part of a global company means you’re never confined by borders in mindset, opportunity or connection,” she adds. “It means you get to work with colleagues from different parts of the world, learn continuously and contribute to projects that span industries and geographies. It stretches your thinking and amplifies your impact.”
For DVT, being global is about scale, diversity, and resilience. “It means we can meet clients where they are, offer a flexible delivery model and bring richness to everything we do. Our global presence is a strategic advantage that sets us apart in an increasingly connected world,” explains French.
Having leaders and team members embedded in different regions allows DVT to be local without losing their global DNA. It helps clients feel heard and supported in their own context, while still accessing the scale and expertise of a larger, international organisation. This ensures that the company remains agile and culturally aware – essentials in a fast-moving tech space.