Alek Derejian
About Alek Derejian
Alek Derejian serves as the Vice President of New Zealand Operations at Rocket Lab, bringing extensive experience from his previous roles at Rolls-Royce, where he specialized in risk management and engineering across various regions.
Current Role at Rocket Lab
Alek Derejian serves as the Vice President of New Zealand Operations at Rocket Lab, a position he has held since 2022. In this role, he oversees the company's operational activities in New Zealand, focusing on enhancing efficiency and driving growth within the organization. His leadership is crucial for managing Rocket Lab's strategic initiatives and ensuring alignment with the company's objectives.
Previous Experience at Rolls-Royce
Alek Derejian has extensive experience at Rolls-Royce, where he worked for 19 years in various roles. His positions included Enterprise Risk Manager for Greater China and North-East Asia, Technical Lead for Outsourcing & Offshoring in Bangalore, and International Business Operations Manager at the UK headquarters. He was responsible for establishing the Enterprise Risk Management framework across North-East Asia and led the programme management for the Trent 1000 engine.
Education and Qualifications
Alek Derejian holds a Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) in Avionics Systems Engineering from Coventry University, where he graduated with a 1st Class (Hons) degree. He also earned a Post Graduate Certificate in Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering from the University of Bristol. Additionally, he completed a Six Sigma Green Belt at MoreSteam University and has achieved various management qualifications, including the Management Essentials Programme from Duke Corporate Education.
Leadership in Engineering and Risk Management
Throughout his career, Alek Derejian has demonstrated leadership in engineering and risk management. He oversaw business operations for 26 regional offices while at Rolls-Royce and managed the establishment of two engineering centers in India. His expertise includes managing FAA and EASA approved Part 145 workshops and holding senior positions in helicopter MRO workshops at Airwork NZ.
Chartered Engineer Status
Alek Derejian is recognized as a Chartered Engineer with the UK Engineering Council and the Institute of Engineering & Technology (IET). This status reflects his professional competence and commitment to the engineering profession, underscoring his qualifications and experience in the field.