Derek Osborn

Inspirer
DISC Type : id

Group Executive, Innovation and Transformation at Ventia

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Overview

Derek Osborn is the Group Executive of Innovation and Transformation at Ventia, where he translates strategy into measurable outcomes across critical infrastructure. With a background in Environmental Design and Building Science from The University of Western Australia and strategy from Harvard Business School, he has over 25 years of leadership experience in defence, mining, and property sectors.

He has a long-standing commitment to social causes, having been involved in Ventias Indigenous reconciliation journey since 2007. Outside of his executive duties, he draws leadership inspiration from sports, particularly the Sydney Swans, and has served as a Director for a company specializing in bushfire and vegetation management.

His career began unconventionally in remote Western Australia, where he tackled complex social issues such as housing, healthcare, and employment.

Personality Overview

Achievment Oriented

Charming & Persuasive

Generous

They don’t mind taking a stand if they believe in something.  They measure a product on its merit but can be influenced by strong testimonials. They respond well to objective pitches but also attach some value to relationships.

Topics They Care About

Digital Transformation
As Group Executive for Innovation and Transformation, he leads Ventia's enterprise-wide digital, data, and commercial transformation to unlock new growth and productivity.
Defence Infrastructure
He has a significant background as Group Executive for Defence & Social Infrastructure, and frequently posts about partnerships and contracts with the Australian Department of Defence.
Indigenous Reconciliation
Has been a key figure in Ventia's reconciliation journey since 2007, recently helping launch an education fund for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees.

Media Appearances

VENTIA - Defence and Social Infrastructure - Derek Osborn. Featured in YouTube

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New appointment to grow Ventia's NZ defence business. Featured in Australian Defence

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VENTIA - Defence and Social Infrastructure - Derek Osborn. Featured in YouTube

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Work History

10-2025
Group Executive, Innovation and Transformation at Ventia
7-2020 - 9-2025
Group Executive, Defence and Social Infrastructure at Ventia
12-2015 - 7-2020
Chief Executive, Defence & Social Infrastructure at Broadspectrum
7-2014 - 6-2021
Director at Ten Rivers
4-2014 - 11-2015
Executive General Manager, Logistics and Facilities Management at Broadspectrum

Education

1989 - 2005
Master's Degree from The University of Western Australia
Strategy: Building and Sustaining Competitive Advantage from Harvard Business School

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 24 Location : Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Job Level : N/A Designation : Group Executive, Innovation and Transformation at Ventia
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Insights For Selling To Derek

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Acknowledge their status and position during the conversation
  • Clearly address the competitive aspects
  • Keep your pitch focused on the impact but insert some anecdotes into it

DONT's

  • Avoid focusing only on the product or its ROI, keep building trust subtly
  • Don’t be very informal even if they are being so themselves
  • Don't be unorganized, be prepared for the pitch

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Derek is

  • Belief in the value of the product, relationship and a sense of accomplishment matter the most.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Derek

  • They are not shy of saying no if they do not develop trust in your product.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Derek move?

  • If they develop confidence in your product and you, then they can make fast decisions.
  • Can Derek take some risk or not?

  • If necessary, they have the ability to take risky decisions.

You And Derek

Personality Compatibility


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