Derek took up his duties as Vice-Chancellor on April 2nd 2004.  Prior to this role he was the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration and held positions including General Manager, Corporate Services Director, and Associate Director Academic.

Derek was also national president of the Association of Staff in Tertiary Education and has participated at a national level in many developments in education over the years. He holds a Masters degree in Biochemistry and began his career as a biochemist working at Otago Polytechnic before moving on to work in roles in tertiary education management.

Since taking up the role last year Derek has led a review of the University’s faculties and regrouped them to better reflect convergences and synergies in industry, professions, society, the economy and government.