Leadership · Entrepreneur · Investor
I help people and companies move forward — leading at scale in global footwear, investing in early-stage founders across Vietnam and the US, and sharing the leadership philosophy I've built along the way: leadership is responsibility.
Derek is an entrepreneur and investor who has spent his career at the intersection of global industry and Vietnam's fast-rising startup scene. As COO of the Nike Division at HuaLi Industrial Group — one of the largest footwear manufacturers in the world — he brings decades in the footwear industry alongside an MBA and a builder's instinct for what makes a company work.
Through his own investment firm he backs early-stage founders and real-estate ventures across Vietnam and the US. He cares most about people: mentoring young entrepreneurs, championing a people-first culture, and helping ambitious teams scale with heart.
Shaped by decades leading teams for the world's leading footwear brands, the RESPONSIBILITY Framework is how Derek thinks about leadership — not as a title, but as a responsibility to the people you lead. Fourteen principles, one idea.
Derek is writing more on the RESPONSIBILITY Framework — and a book to follow. Follow the journey and the latest leadership notes on LinkedIn.
COO of the Nike Division at one of the largest footwear manufacturers in the world — leading operations at scale with a people-first culture across the floor.
Founder & strategic investor (est. 2020). Capital and hands-on value for property developments and startup ventures across Vietnam and the US.
Instagram
Board member & investor in one of Southeast Asia's leading craft breweries, with locations in Vietnam and Singapore and international distribution.
Visit
Strategic advisor & investor to a premium shoe-care brand in Ho Chi Minh City, supporting young Vietnamese entrepreneurship through its work.
Visit
Member and guest speaker at Business Executive Network Vietnam — a community of senior executives and entrepreneurs sharing leadership and growth across the country.
An active voice in Vietnam's startup community — speaking, mentoring, and championing leadership that puts people first.
Derek leads by story — on factory floors, building sites, and stages across Asia.
Derek on leadership, footwear, and the long road from athlete to COO — in his own words.
Whether it's a new venture, an investment, or just a good conversation — I'd love to hear from you.