Derv Rao

Derv Rao is an experienced professional in the sports and entertainment recruitment industry, currently serving as the Director of RIADA Sports & Entertainment Recruitment since August 2023. This role involves collaboration between DUPLAYS and Hoyamal Recruitment to provide top talent to the Middle East. As the Managing Partner of Yeadon Domes Middle East, Derv Rao oversees distribution for the largest manufacturer of air-supported dome technology, optimizing indoor structures for cost and build time. Additionally, Derv Rao co-founded DUPLAYS in 2007, which has grown to over 200,000 members in the UAE, and Playpass Sports, a platform that facilitates sports activities for 50,000+ members across five cities. Derv Rao previously held multiple roles at Johnson & Johnson from March 2001 to March 2007 and holds an MBA in Strategic Management from McMaster University and a BSc in Sciences from the University of Toronto.