Mike Derse

Mike Derse is a highly experienced business leader with a robust background in franchise development and strategic planning. Currently serving as Chief Development Officer at Learning Express Toys since January 2012, Mike oversees franchise growth and compliance for the nation's largest specialty toy and gift franchise chain. As President and Co-Founder of Learning Express Play, Inc., from November 2014 to January 2023, Mike was instrumental in launching a successful children's activity center. Previous roles include Account Executive at Roche Tissue Diagnostics, Marketing Intern at Genzyme, and Engineering Manager at Aqueduct Medical, among others. Mike holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and dual degrees in Mechanical Engineering (MS and BS) from Stanford University.