Derek is Head of Innovation Education at INNOVENTIEM and is responsible for building the advisory and education practice, focusing on creativity, grit, adaptability, change, design thinking, technology, culture and mindset conducive to innovation in corporations .

He previously provided guidance to the company as an Advisory Board Member for Lightbulb Capital and held the position of Head of Innovation Education there for 6 years. Driving Innovation Education programs for Financial Service Organisations, across South East Asia, (HK, China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore) e.g. Manulife, Metlife, Julius Baer, Schroders, UOB, DBS, UBS,

Prior to his current role, Derek was the Head of Innovation at LendLease. He was responsible for designing processes to deliver improved products and systems, nurturing a culture of innovation in Asia, and developing productive relationships with organisations that focus on innovation and growth. Derek has over 8 years of experience in facilitation. Before his position as Head of Innovation, he was Head of Retail Operations overseeing the retail assets managed by the company across Asia.

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Derek teaches Innovation Culture Catalyst and Mindset, the FinTech and Innovation , Creativity in Busniess, and Adaptability In Times of Disruptive Times courses at Singapore Management University, and Emeritus.

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Derek holds an MBA in International Marketing and Strategy and Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) from University of Windsor, Canada, a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Biology (Honours) from McMaster University.

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Derek is a regular contributor to Banking Insight Magazine since 2019 writing articles on topics related to Innovation Culture, Mindset, Grit, Adaptability, Creativity and Change.