"Supporting my colleagues through their own career development in their chosen fields is important to give them the same satisfaction that I get from working for Beca."
Derek has been leading the Beca Buildings team in China for several years, helping to grow Beca’s reputation by providing high standards in Building Services systems design and quality of design delivery. Although he has a particular interest in plumbing and water services, his skills in related mechanical systems and a holistic understanding of how building projects are delivered, is a highly sought after in the China Buildings market.
Derek joined Beca Singapore in 1983 and branched out from his regular engineering and project management role to develop his people management skills; leading a section by 1999. In 2004 he was relocated to Beijing as section leader of building services; and is currently GM Buildings leading Beca building services teams across China.
During his time with Beca, Derek has experienced working in variety of Asian countries including Singapore, East Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong and Taipei. He has enjoyed the opportunity to work within these different cultures and has got to grips with the challenge and necessity of using clear and concise communications to get his message across. His regular visits to Beca key Hub offices in Singapore and Auckland, allows him to maintain close contacts with other technical leaders in Beca and translate this Beca experience to his China clients.
Derek’s experience has taught him that to successfully lead a team a manager must inspire trust, teamwork and teambuilding. He feels that by entrusting ownership and responsibility to his team he has produced better results.