Derrick is a hotel industry expert and a trusted adviser to some of the best performing venues in metropolitan and regional New South Wales. His clients value his commitment to ensuring their hotel and hospitality businesses not only succeed against their competitors, but that the value of their establishment increases too.

As a vital part of a firm that looks after over 300 hotels across New South Wales, Derrick draws on the experience and best-practice strategies he has developed and delivered to clients throughout his 30-year career.

Utilising industry insights and information and sharing knowledge with his clients is one of the most important parts of Derrick’s advisory work with his clients. He and his team know what percentages and performance benchmarks that businesses should be setting for different areas such as wages, the bar, and gaming machines. By helping his clients to set specific benchmarks, they can identify areas of inefficiency and see exactly what can be changed to ensure hospitality businesses thrive now and well into the future.

Clients rely on Derrick’s inside-out industry knowledge. They also appreciate the genuine rapport he builds, his commitment to keeping them updated on what’s happening in the hotel industry and how updates impact their businesses. If that means a five-hour drive to see a regional client face-to-face, Derrick makes that commitment.

With a focus on long-term planning, Derrick also builds a rapport with the future generations who may one day own and operate the business. He doesn’t take this responsibility lightly and respects the trust that comes with building strong working relationships with all generations in a family business.

A partner DFK Crosbie since 2005, Derrick has more than 30 years of expertise as a management accountant and strategic adviser to the hospitality industry. He remains a partner of the firm following the merge of DFK Crosbie and Pitcher Partners Newcastle and Hunter to unite under the Pitcher Partners brand in late-2021.

Memberships and qualifications

• Bachelor of Commerce, Accounting and Business Management (University of Newcastle)
• Member, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand
• Certified Practising Accountant (CPA Australia)
• Certificate IV, Leadership Management (Leadership Management Australasia)