Matthew J. Norden is a transformational executive who has navigated some of the most complex and high-stakes scenarios in corporate leadership with a calm hand, strategic mind, and unwavering ethical compass. With over two decades of experience spanning legal, financial, and operational leadership, Matthew’s career has been a blueprint for what it means to drive institutional resilience and sustainable enterprise value in fast-moving, heavily scrutinized environments. From pre-IPO legal architect to public company executive and interim CEO, he has earned his reputation as a trusted advisor, operator, and culture-builder.

At the heart of Matthew’s journey is his unique ability to integrate legal acumen with business strategy. He began his career in the rigorous trenches of elite law firms, cutting his teeth on complex M&A and structured finance matters at Skadden Arps and McKee Nelson. It was there that he developed the technical expertise and risk lens that would later anchor his leadership roles. But what set him apart from the outset was his desire to do more than advise—he wanted to build, lead, and transform. That calling led him into corporate leadership roles that demanded not just legal mastery, but courage, vision, and enterprise-wide impact.

Matthew’s move to TOMS Shoes marked a defining chapter, where he became the company’s first General Counsel during a period of explosive growth. At TOMS, he helped steer the company’s evolution from primarily a U.S.-based enterprise into a leading global fashion and apparel brand operating across more than 20 countries. He built the legal function from the ground up, implemented corporate social responsibility and compliance programs, and safeguarded intellectual property across international markets. This chapter not only solidified his ability to scale infrastructure in hypergrowth environments, but also reaffirmed his belief that purpose and profit are not mutually exclusive.

In 2013, Matthew joined 2U Inc.—then a promising edtech startup—as Associate General Counsel, to help take the company public. Over the next twelve years, he would rise through the ranks to become Chief Legal Officer, then Chief Financial Officer, and ultimately Interim Chief Executive Officer. His tenure at 2U was marked by a rare blend of continuity and reinvention, as he consistently stepped into leadership at pivotal inflection points. Each promotion reflected not only his expertise, but the trust he earned from colleagues, board members, and investors alike.

Under his legal stewardship, 2U successfully executed a $120M IPO and raised an additional $2B in equity and debt offerings. Matthew guided the company through its transition to a public entity, ensuring SEC compliance, establishing governance protocols, and managing complex stakeholder expectations. He played an instrumental role in shaping investor communications, crafting regulatory strategy, and reinforcing enterprise-wide risk governance, transforming the legal function into a true strategic business partner. Under his leadership, the Legal & Compliance team grew to over 50 professionals and set a new standard for scalable excellence.

Yet Matthew’s influence extended far beyond the legal domain. As CFO and CLO, he became the architect of 2U’s financial turnaround, overseeing a prepackaged Chapter 11 that reduced company debt by $450M and secured $110M in fresh capital. Amid volatile market conditions and internal transformation, he built operational clarity and imposed discipline—streamlining processes, optimizing costs, and driving cross-functional alignment. His strategic rigor helped stabilize the business and lay the groundwork for long-term sustainability.

In 2024, following the company’s emergence from restructuring, Matthew was appointed Interim CEO. In this role, he led 2U through a public-to-private transition and initiated a full strategic repositioning of the company. His leadership catalyzed new growth strategies, prioritized AI innovation, and revitalized company culture through transparent engagement and purposeful communication. He brought fresh vision to product development, supported by AI-powered solutions to elevate efficiency and improve user engagement across marketing and support functions. His tenure exemplified the rare executive who can guide an organization through both triage and transformation.

Throughout his career, Matthew has been a steady presence in the boardroom, advising boards on fiduciary duties, governance practices, activist engagement, and corporate restructuring. As Corporate Secretary and principal legal advisor to multiple boards, he has demonstrated fluency in navigating complexity with calm, providing critical counsel in times of litigation, activism, and strategic resets. His approach is marked by collaboration, transparency, and respect for diverse perspectives—traits that make him not only a highly effective advisor but a valuable board candidate.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Matthew is driven by a deep sense of service and purpose. He views leadership not simply as a position of authority, but as an opportunity to elevate others, steward values, and build enduring organizations. Whether guiding a company through international expansion, regulatory challenges, or existential pivots, he remains grounded in humility, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to doing what’s right. His interests in education, technology, and mission-driven enterprises reflect his belief that business can—and should—be a force for good.

Matthew holds a J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center, an M.B.A. from UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School, and a B.A. in Psychology from The George Washington University. He is admitted to the bar in the District of Columbia and Virginia. A lifelong learner and avid reader, he enjoys golf, football, and spending time with family. He remains open to new board opportunities and executive collaborations where his experience, vision, and values can contribute meaningfully to strategic growth and transformation.

Character:
Matthew exemplifies integrity in every role he has held, earning the trust of boards, teams, and stakeholders during the most sensitive corporate moments. His career reflects a steadfast commitment to doing the right thing—even when it is difficult. He is as thoughtful in private deliberation as he is clear-eyed in public leadership.

Knowledge:
With more than two decades of experience across legal, financial, and operational domains, Matthew’s expertise spans IPOs, M&A, corporate governance, capital markets, and international compliance. He brings sharp technical insight and the ability to translate complex regulatory or financial issues into actionable strategy. His knowledge is not only deep, but constantly evolving to meet the needs of modern business.

Strategic:
Matthew has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to guide organizations through transformation, from growth-stage expansion to financial restructuring and AI innovation. His strategies are grounded in data, foresight, and enterprise value creation. Whether building legal departments or repositioning entire companies, he does so with precision and purpose.

Communication:
Matthew is a natural communicator who fosters transparency, alignment, and confidence across organizations. From investor disclosures to internal town halls, he ensures that stakeholders understand the “why” behind every major decision. His leadership style blends clarity with empathy, making him both persuasive and deeply respected.