A seasoned COO, CEO, and Board Director, Derek brings 45+ years’ experience scaling franchise and JV models through operational mastery and mentoring founders through strategic inflection points. Having led major operations across Europe, Australia, and New Zealand – most notably catapulting Specsavers to #1 market share and collecting accolades like Retailer of the Year, Employer of the Year, and Innovator of the Year – Derek is recognised internationally for his contribution to leadership in retail, even holding Australia’s prestigious ‘Distinguished Talent’ visa.

Derek is passionate about enabling businesses to create the right environments, with the balance of accountability and empowerment, where people can grow and succeed. He has challenged and mentored many, at different levels, helping them to reinvent and grow.