Lt Col Derrick Louis was commissioned into the Royal Engineers Territorial Army (TA) in 1990. He transferred to the Royal Logistic Corps in 1993 and completed tours of regimental duty from troop commander to Commanding Officer. Following this he held Staff appointments in 16 AA Bde, SJC, HQ RLC TA and 101 Log Bde.

During his military career, which spanned over 30 years, he was also seconded to the regular army as Adjutant 5 Training Regt, SO1 PCS (Germany) as LO to the US Marine Corps, served on Op TOSCA as a squadron commander and Op HERRICK as DCOS, NATO HQ in Kabul.

He also served as both Adjutant and Second in Command of the Light Cavalry, Honourable Artillery Company where he was responsible for organising a wide range of high-profile ceremonial events including for the Royal Family.

As a reserve officer he attended the Junior Division Staff College, Territorial Army Staff and Command Course and Advanced Command and Staff Course (Reserves).

His civilian education included studying Electrical Engineering at Salford University, an MBA from the University of East London and an Executive Education Programme at the University of Cambridge Judge Business School.

He is a Chartered Director, a Fellow of the Institute of Directors, Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, and a Freeman of the City of London.

In his civilian career Derrick has held director roles in the public, private and third sectors. These range from a corporate service directorship at a national construction company and chairing a large health trust to being commercial director for a children’s charity.

He was until recently also a senior local government councillor with a portfolio that comprised of a £100m efficiency programme, emergency planning and corporate services.

In his spare time, he enjoys sailing, shooting, skiing and rugby (only as a spectator these days). He also volunteers as an assistant skipper for the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust (which takes young cancer survivors sailing as part of their recovery).

Derrick has worked on several oversees aid projects, including in the Amazon jungle, where he met his wife-to-be.