Derek De Bono

Inquirer
DISC Type : dc

Group Software Defined Vehicle Vice President at Valeo

Greater Paris Metropolitan Region, France

Overview

Derek de Bono is the Group Vice President for Software Defined Vehicles at Valeo, a leading automotive supplier. He focuses on product strategy and how software, AI, and strategic partnerships are transforming the automotive industry and user experience. He holds an MBA from INSEAD and a Bachelor of Engineering from McGill University.

Outside of his core role, Derek is interested in how technology shapes new experiences, such as creating immersive gaming from in-car sensors. He closely follows the growth of the Robotaxi market and enjoys the challenge of public speaking and honing his presentation skills.

Valeo is developing a new product using data from existing vehicle sensors, with production expected to start in 2025 or 2026.

Personality Overview

Judgemental

Upfront

Demanding

They can be nudged to make faster decisions by offering what they value.  They care equally about the product and its potential impact. They focus on objectivity in a pitch and pay little attention to bells and whistles.

Topics They Care About

Software Defined Vehicles
As a VP of SDV, he is a key public voice for Valeo, frequently discussing the company's strategy for hardware, software, and ADAS domain controllers in interviews and at conferences.
AI in Automotive
He speaks publicly about how artificial intelligence is profoundly transforming the automotive experience, from autonomous driving to new in-vehicle user applications.
Automotive Ecosystems
He emphasizes that the future of SDV is about partnerships, highlighting Valeo's work with companies like Qualcomm and Capgemini to build the best solutions for customers.

Media Appearances

IAA Mobility 2025: Valeo's Derek de Bono on SDVs. Featured in YouTube

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Our SDV Show is going to be Software Defined Vehicle Vice President Derek de Bono. Featured in Facebook (Valeo Group)

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What's so great about SDV? Everything. Our VP of Software Defined Vehicle Derek de Bono explains. Featured in Facebook

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Work History

2-2023
Group Software Defined Vehicle Vice President at Valeo
1-2019
Group Product Marketing Vice President at Valeo
1-2011 - 1-2019
Group Product Marketing Director at Valeo
6-2008 - 12-2010
Marketing Director at Valeo
5-2005 - 6-2008
Marketing & Business Development at Valeo

Education

1-1998 - 12-1998
MBA from INSEAD
1988 - 1993
Bachelor of Engineering - BE from McGill University

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 30 Location : Greater Paris Metropolitan Region, France Job Level : Senior Designation : Group Software Defined Vehicle Vice President at Valeo
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Insights For Selling To Derek

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Get to the point quickly instead of spending too much time on pleasantries
  • Tell them that you are there to help them create visible impact within their organization
  • Highlight the competitive differentiation of your product

DONT's

  • Don’t expect them to change their mind quickly if they say no once
  • Refrain from asking too many questions
  • Avoid long winding pitches, stay objective

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Derek is

  • Belief in the product plays an important role, followed by objective proof and testimonials.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Derek

  • They may hesitate slightly, but if they are not convinced, they will say no.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Derek move?

  • Their decision making speed is somewhere in the middle.
  • Can Derek take some risk or not?

  • They can take risks only after they have analyzed the advantages and disadvantages.

You And Derek

Personality Compatibility


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