Derek Lakin

Derek Lakin has an extensive work experience in various roles and companies. Derek currently holds the position of VP of Engineering at Tarabut Gateway since November 2022. Prior to that, they worked as a Mentor in Engineering at bloom mentor, providing career advice and support to engineering managers and software engineers interested in management/leadership.

In 2020, Derek worked at Meta as a Software Engineering Manager, where they supported the Ads Growth team and the Ads Manager App team. Derek rebuilt the team of engineers and cross-functional members in the Ads Growth team and transitioned the product from the US to the UK in the Ads Manager App team. Derek also worked with peers and leadership to define the 3-year strategy for small businesses and the Ads Manager App.

Before their tenure at Meta, Derek served as the Director of Engineering at Culture Trip from 2018 to 2020. In this position, they were responsible for various areas of product development, including the Core CMS platform, mid-funnel optimization, and the transformation of Culture Trip into a content-driven online travel business.

From 2016 to 2018, Derek worked as a Senior Engineering Manager at Skyscanner. Derek held the role of Tribe Engineering Lead for the Content tribe and the Marketplace Engine tribe, overseeing multiple squads across different countries. Derek focused on SEO, content growth, and improving core services related to Flights.

Earlier in their career, Derek held positions at Skype as a Senior Manager Engineering, Senior Development Lead, and Senior Software Engineer. Derek led teams working on various projects, including GroupMe Clients, Skype Qik, and Skype for Xbox One. Derek also worked at Pixel Lab as a Senior User Experience Developer, developing apps for Windows Phone 7, and at Content Master as a Principal Technologist, working on projects for Microsoft.

In 2006, Derek founded their own company, Polyceta Limited, and briefly served as its owner. Derek also worked at Begingo Software Inc. as a User Experience Developer and at Content Master as a Senior Technologist.

Throughout their career, Derek Lakin has held various management and leadership roles, focusing on software engineering, team management, strategy development, and product growth.

Derek Lakin attended Leeds Beckett University from 1994 to 1999, where they obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Software Engineering. Prior to that, they attended Old Swinford Hospital School from 1987 to 1994, but no specific degree or field of study information is available for that period.

In addition to their educational background, Derek Lakin holds several certifications. In 2005, they obtained the MCSD: Microsoft.NET certification from Microsoft, followed by the MCAD: Microsoft .NET certification in 2005. In 2006, they obtained the MCPD: Windows Developer and MCTS: .Net Framework 2.0, Windows Applications certifications, both from Microsoft. More recently, in November 2019, they became a Mental Health First Aid Champion, certified by Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England.