Derek Fournier

Derek coaches founders and their leadership teams in driving innovation and growth through complex challenges. He collaborates with the C-suite in diverse industries, including high-growth startups and established companies, leveraging his deep background in technology and human-centric leadership.

With over 30 years of experience in multiple high-stakes industries (over 20 years in C-Suite roles including CEO), Derek empowers leaders and their teams to navigate complexity and drive transformational growth. His expertise extends across cruise lines, theme parks, and technology companies, reflecting his versatility and deep understanding of various market dynamics. His experience as both an operator and a board member provides multiple lenses through which situations can be evaluated. As the former CEO of DeCurtis Corporation, Derek led the company to become a leader in hospitality and cruise industry technology, overseeing its rapid growth after private equity investment. His tenure was marked by steering the company through major industry shifts, including the challenges posed by the global pandemic. At Microsoft, Derek revolutionized the focus on customer needs and product validation, significantly boosting revenue for a major back-office platform product.

Derek studied Computer Science at the University of Central Florida and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology.

Outside of his professional life, Derek is an avid traveler, a sports enthusiast, and a dedicated family man, though not in that order, who is coping with his first son heading off to college (#GKCO). He is also passionate about giving back to the community, actively supporting Pediatric Cancer research and the Special Olympics. When not trying to find excuses to be on, near, or in the ocean, Derek is cheering on the Buccaneers and trying to learn how to find hobbies that do not turn into obsessions the way smoking meats has! Fun fact, Derek is in the Pro Football Ultimate Fans Association Hall of Fame in Canton, OH.