Derrick Li is the Chief Operating Officer & the Chief Financial Officer at Lawson Lundell and a member of the firm’s Executive Committee. In this role, he leads a wide range of business services teams, including Finance, Accounting, Procurement, Human Resources, Payroll, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Business Analytics, Corporate Services, Library, Facilities & Office Services, Marketing, and Business Development.
Since joining the firm in 2020, Derrick has played a pivotal role in driving strategic growth and operational excellence. His leadership has guided the successful implementation of a new ERP and firm management system, the adoption of AI technologies, strategic lateral partner hires, office expansions and renovations, and the strengthening of IT security and data analytics capabilities. Under his direction, Lawson Lundell was recognized for the first time as one of BC’s Top Employers.
Prior to Lawson Lundell, Derrick held executive roles within the TransLink group, where he oversaw multiple administrative functions and led initiatives to improve organizational performance. He also brings extensive experience as a management consultant and Chief Audit Executive, having led over 100 performance audits, strategic reviews, and Lean Kaizen process improvements.
Derrick is a frequent speaker at industry conferences on topics such as finance strategy, strategic planning, Lean process improvement, and internal audit. He has also served as a guest presenter at the British Columbia Institute of Technology, the University of British Columbia, and Simon Fraser University.
His leadership and contributions have earned him several accolades, including Business in Vancouver’s Forty Under 40 (2019), recognition as one of the global Institute of Internal Auditors’ top 20 emerging leaders (2014), and a Gold Medal from Lean Sensei International (2016).