Derek is an experienced leader and business focussed project manager. He has a particular passion for innovation and getting technology to the marketplace, a keen interest in start ups to exploit novel technology and in finding opportunities to 'value add' in the agribusiness sector (food, feed & fibre).
In recent times, Derek has overseen the commercialisation of a novel technology from lab to market, incorporating supply chain development and technology deployment. He has a strong background in commercial project management across science, ICT and energy efficiency projects. Organisations benefit from his experience in opportunity assessment for technology commercialisation, international market analysis and development, new enterprise conception and design.
Over the last 5 years, Derek has been actively involved in trade missions in the region including India, Hong Kong and China and has also worked in Malaysia and Singapore, the US and Canada. In previous roles, he was responsible for the Project Management and consulting functions for several related companies and also responsible for industry engagement across sectors, including negotiation of partner agreements with university, commercial and government agencies.
A recognised industry leader in Australia and New Zealand, Derek is a former chair of the AusFoodtech committee for AusBiotech and a member of the 'Return on Science' Agritechnology Investment Advisory committee (administered by Auckland UniServices on behalf of the NZ Ministry for Business Innovation & Employment). He has served as a committee member on the NSW Product Development and Innovation Group for the AIFST and Derek has been a featured panellist and speaker at conferences in Australia and New Zealand.