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 — sharing what leadership means to him. Follow the journey and the latest 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.
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Founder & strategic investor (est. 2020). Capital and hands-on value for property developments and startup ventures across Vietnam and the US.
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In collaboration with Grundy Property Group, YSV is a key strategic partner and alliance in the syndication space, with various projects throughout the US.
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Board member & investor in one of Southeast Asia's leading craft breweries, with locations in Vietnam and Singapore and international distribution.
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Strategic advisor & investor to a premium shoe-care brand in Ho Chi Minh City, supporting young Vietnamese entrepreneurship through its work.
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Member and guest speaker at Business Executive Network Vietnam — a community of senior executives and entrepreneurs sharing leadership and growth across the country.
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A “big brother” and lifetime supporter of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America since 2003 — Derek believes deeply in the purpose, power, and impact of mentorship.
VisitAn active voice in Vietnam's startup community — speaking, mentoring, and championing leadership that puts people first.
From the basketball court at Endicott to executive education at Dartmouth — a yearning for growth that never stops.
BS in Sport Management and MBA — and a college basketball player for the Gulls. In 2021 Derek returned to deliver the School of Sport Science's Phi Epsilon Kappa speech.
Leadership and Strategic Impact (TEE'24) at Dartmouth's Tuck School of Business — sharpening strategy and leadership for running operations at global scale.
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.