Derek Young is a veteran ESG, sustainability, CSR and communications professional with more than 25 years of experience. He is recognized as a thought leader in the areas of ESG, corporate citizenship, corporate responsibility and sustainability and is capable of working across industries, analyzing and determining needs and opportunities for value creation and building and delivering strategic programs, messaging and branding campaigns, and community and stakeholder engagement efforts.

Derek has worked in the public policy, non-profit, for profit and consulting sectors and has developed deep experience in the areas of strategic analysis, corporate responsibility and community engagement platforms, climate change and carbon management, non-profit partnerships, charitable giving, and community and stakeholder engagement as well as sustainability, communications, message development and branding and resource efficiency.

As the head of ESG Consulting Services for Summit Strategy Group, a boutique agency focused on providing strategic consulting on ESG, sustainability and corporate reputation, Derek leads the ESG practice, providing clients with strategic guidance and assistance in developing and implementing ESG programs. Derek has been with Summit since its founding and was the company’s first full time employee.

Derek has helped to start and lead CSR and Sustainability programs at several corporations including Invista, TGI Fridays and FedEx and has provided consulting support to numerous other brands as well across a wide range of sectors and industries.

Derek is an avid outdoorsman and lives in Chattanooga, TN with his wife Dawn and his dog Hank.