He was  previously co-founder of international non profit The B Team alongside Virgin founder Sir Richard Branson. He was campaign Chair for Duke of Sussex Prince Harry’s sustainability travel initiative Travalyst. He established the Aera Foundation as a charitable studio to catalyse efforts for the wellbeing of people and planet and is CEO at Aera NZ a start up focused on accelerating first home buyers into property ownership.

Derek was named one of top 100 global leaders by Real Leaders Magazine and 100 most influential people in technology in New York by Business Insider. He is a former EY young entrepreneur of the year and holds degrees in finance and architectural science, as well as a Master’s degree majoring in religion from Harvard.