Derek embodies the spirit of a polymath. Over the course of his career, he’s worked as an academic, writer, photographer, editor, and marketer. If there’s a common thread that connects his diverse interests, it’s storytelling. Across various industries, platforms, and media, Derek excels at harnessing the power of narrative to achieve strategic objectives and engage audiences.

As Vice President of Brand & Marketing at Toronto Global, he oversees the organization’s content strategy and integrated marketing initiatives, all aimed at solidifying Toronto’s position as the leading city for international investment and business activity.

Before his current role, Derek served as Director of Content Strategy & Digital Marketing at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), where he managed the institution’s digital and social media properties and played a key role in navigating a landmark name change in 2022. Prior to TMU, he was the first Editor-in-Chief at blogTO, leading the publication through a period of remarkable growth.

Derek is also an instructor at the University of Toronto’s School of Continuing Studies and remains active as a writer, photographer, and curator, garnering critical acclaim for his extensive work on the history of Toronto and the rise and fall of the roadside motel in North America.