About me

Hello,

I'm Derek. I am an experienced content writer, creative director, brand strategist.

Aside from working for a couple of the original global icons and on the board of one (Ogilvy, JWT, Leo Burnett), I have been a founding creative and strategic partner in two businesses, The White House and 10 feet tall, in two different cities, Cape Town and Melbourne.

After two decades in Australia, I returned to South Africa in 2016 to spend time with my ailing and sick parent and also to develop prospects and pursue my other love, performing live, recording and making films in music as a percussionist, drummer and band leader. I also believe very strongly that music has a powerful role in branded communication, and that being intimately involved with both, makes my contribution even more valuable.

I am keen to contribute to campaigns throughout the African continent, either remotely or on contract.

Since my return to the deep south, I have reignited old industry friendships and networks as well as develop a whole new circle of connections in the music and communications industries.

I have also worked on several major strategies and creative projects.

I am available to discuss future prospects, permanent or project/contract based..

Thank you.

Skills

Copywriting, Creative Direction, PR, Social Media, Strategy Planning

Sector Experience

Advertising, Communications

Awards

Cannes Lions - Shortlist, Clios - Gold, Clios - Shortlist, Communication Arts Competition, Cresta International Advertising Award, EPICA Award - Bronze, FAB Award, LIA Award - Gold, Loeries - Certificate, Loeries - Gold, Siren Award

Clients

Australian Dairy Farmers, Carlsberg, Changhong, Deaf Children Australia, Disney, Douglas Green, Ford Performance Vehicles, Freightliner Trucks, General Motors, Gilbeys, Great Wall Motors, Heinz, Kraft Foods, Land Rover/Jaguar, Melbourne Water, Mercedes Trucks, Mercury Marine, MS Australia, National Breast Cancer Foundation, Nestlé, Opel Cars, Polaroid, Rinnai, Stellenbosch Farmers Wineries, volkswagen, Volvo Cars, Yalumba Wines, Yamaha, Yooralla

Trade Associations

ADELAIDE ART DIRECTORS, Australian Writers and Art Directors Club AWARD, AWARD JUDGE, AWARD SCHOOL LECTURER AND MENTOR, CLIO JUDGE, COPY SCHOOL LECTURER AND MENTOR AUSTRALIA, LOERIE, LOERIE JUDGE, Melbourne Advertising and Design Club President, NEW YORK FESTIVALS JUDGE, RMIT Univeristy Mentor, Siren Awards Judge, SWINBURNE UNIVERSITY MENTOR