Derek gained a degree in psychology and a master’s in business before embarking on a career in advertising and marketing. He knew from a young age that he was destined to have his own business and his big break came when he teamed up with an ambitious and gifted designer in the 80s. Together they spent 10 years turning a fledgling agency into a company that employed 350 people and floated on the Stock Exchange.

Derek founded Healthspan 13 years ago and subsequently acquired Blue Islands airline, a collection of hotel properties and a technology company. Known for his unconventional approach to business, he takes inspiration from “the rebels - the ones who see things differently … because the ones who think they can change the world are often the ones who can”.

When do your brightest ideas happen?
“Wherever and whenever I have the mental space and time to let my mind drift into ‘free float’.”