Des started his career as an E&I Engineer migrating towards the world of Finance after doing an MBA at INSEAD. Since then he has focused on the emerging markets first with IFC then Deutsche Asset Management. Finally in 2009 decided with a few colleagues to venture out on their own and set up Duxton Asset Management a firm focused on Agriculture, Emerging markets.

In 2019 after 10 years at Duxton he stepped down from an executive role (though still a shareholder) to concentrate on a number of new initiatives such as mentoring and helping founders and companies develop so that they can better tackle the next stage in their journey.

His main focus is on Vietnam (continuing a 20-year love affair with the country), Human Development (Health, Wellness, Food) and Human Capital (Education, Effectiveness). His mantra– “how can I help, I may have seen that before” – cognizant that he has spent over 50 years realizing his limitations whilst gaining a wide range of experiences and collecting many priceless friendships on the way.

He is an active in a number of organizations such as The Singapore Ireland Funds a charity affiliated to the global “The Ireland Funds”, which he helped set up in 2008, and has served on the executive committee since then. He is a coach and leader of Valkyries Girls Rugby, which has enabled Girls rugby take off in Singapore. At INSEAD, he is an active alumnus, mentor, judge and Entrepreneur in Residence helping current and former students examine and reach their goals. He is also an active participant in the Young Presidents’ Organization, helping to organize and day chair a number of learning events.