Derek heads asset management efforts for Portman Holdings. Prior to joining Portman, he was head of asset management for the hotel division of the real estate department of Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, where he was responsible for all asset management activities within a diverse global hotel portfolio with other $7 billion of gross asset value. The portfolio spanned four continents and included equity, mezzanine debt, preferred equity, and public and private shareholding investment vehicles comprising hotel management companies and single asset and portfolio ownership of limited service, full service, luxury, and resort hotels.

Derek has 40 years of experience within the hospitality industry, beginning his career as a busboy, and is a graduate of the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration and has held executive and leadership roles in hospitality operational management and consulting. He has been a member of the Hospitality Asset Managers Association since its founding.