Derek Yach
Derek Yach | |
|---|---|
| Born | November 21, 1955 |
| Occupation(s) | Public health expert, global health advocate, consultant |
| Known for | Former president of the Foundation for a Smoke-Free World; leadership roles at WHO, Yale University, The Rockefeller Foundation, PepsiCo |
Derek Yach (born 21 November 1955) is an internationally recognized expert in public health and the former president of the Foundation for a Smoke-Free World. Throughout his career, he has held prominent roles at institutions such as the World Health Organization, Yale University, The Rockefeller Foundation, and PepsiCo. Presently, he operates as an independent consultant and global health advocate, concentrating on chronic disease management, mental health issues, and the convergence of public-private collaborations with innovative technologies.
Education
Yach completed his MBChB degree at the University of Cape Town in 1979, followed by a BSc (Hons Epi) from Stellenbosch University in 1982. He earned a Master of Public Health from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in 1985. In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science by Georgetown University in 2007.
Career
Spanning over forty years, Yach’s professional journey includes significant leadership appointments:
- Centre for Epidemiological Research: Established and directed South Africa’s national epidemiological research program (1985–1995)
- WHO: Served as Executive Director for Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health, spearheading programs such as the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and the Global Strategy on Diet and Physical Activity
- Yale University: Held a professorship in Global Health
- The Rockefeller Foundation: Led global health initiatives as Director
- PepsiCo: Senior Vice President responsible for Global Health and Agriculture Policy (2007–2012)
- Vitality Institute: Executive Director (2012–2015), Chief Health Officer (2015–2017), later Senior Consultant (2017)
- Foundation for a Smoke-Free World: Founded and presided over the organization (2017–2021)
- Global Health Strategies LLC: Operating as an independent consultant since 2021
Memberships and associations
Yach contributes his expertise to advisory boards including the NIH's John E. Fogarty International Center, serves on the Board of Directors for Cornerstone Capital Group, and participates in the Wellcome Trust's Sustaining Health Committee. Additionally, he holds board memberships with several influential health organizations and actively mentors upcoming leaders in the field.
Publications
He has authored or co-authored more than 250 peer-reviewed articles published in prestigious journals such as Science, Nature, The BMJ, and The Lancet. His scholarly work has received extensive coverage across major media outlets.
Awards and Honors
Among his recognitions are an honorary Doctor of Science degree from Georgetown University and being shortlisted as a finalist for South Africa’s Nelson Mandela Award.
Personal Interests
Yach is passionate about open water swimming and is dedicated to advancing global public health through the integration of artificial intelligence with biotechnology.