Derek Allen

Derek joined Global Switch as Group Director, Operations in 2012 with over 30 years' industry experience, the last 24 years of which have been working directly in the data centre industry.

Derek has extensive knowledge operating large scale data centres where he has led the standardisation and introduction of best practice operating procedures and has been responsible for a number of significant data centre build projects. Prior to joining Global Switch, Derek worked for Cable and Wireless Worldwide where he was Head of Data Centre Development. Before this he held several senior roles within the data centre division of UBS over the course of five years including Director of Data Centre Strategy where he was the technical lead for all new sites and design proposals. Derek spent the first 22 years of his career at BT where he built up comprehensive engineering and facilities expertise.

At Global Switch, Derek is responsible for the management of the Operations team and ensuring through the Group’s Critical Environments Programme that the company maintains its best in class operating procedures across its global footprint. He is accountable for the global performance of the data centres and the operational functions of the business including, connectivity, security, health and safety, operational best practice and customer services. Derek is a council representative at Tech UK, representing Global Switch.