Derek Bremer

Derek has a diverse range of skills and experience in management including 27 years in the IT industry both in Australia and overseas. His roles in IT included Technical, Sales and Marketing as well as General Management. His final position in the Industry was that of General Manager of the Gestetner Group. Derek then gained significant manufacturing management experience as the General Manager of SolaTube, in that role he worked to develop innovative product as well as build export and domestic sales and distribution networks. For two years in the 1990s Derek worked as a consultant providing advice and guidance to a number of national and multinational companies principally in the field of sales and marketing strategy.

 

Derek set up his own company Newcross Holdings P/L to become one of the first Multi Site Franchisees for Shell Australia. This resulted in the acquisition of over thirty five high volume service stations and convenience stores in southern Sydney with a total annual turnover of over 150 million dollars and just over 400 employees. As the operator of three ‘Hungry Jack’s’ fast food outlets as part of the Shell contract, Derek also gained significant experience the high volume food industry.

 

Derek went on to own and operate a four and a half star business hotel in Mackay Queensland, gaining in the process experience in hospitality, tourism, event management and restaurant operation. 

 

For three years Derek worked as a Business Adviser for the Australian Government Enterprise Connect initiative, during which time he worked with over 60 Queensland businesses, providing strategic advice and conducting holistic reviews of their business. These businesses included SMEs engaged in the manufacturing, construction, transport, mining services, communications, agribusiness and retail sectors.

 

Derek is a past Chair of the Office Equipment Industry Association of Australia and was the Vice Chair of the Mackay Tourism and Development Board.