Derek Yach

Derek Yach
Employer	Foundation for a Smoke-Free World (2017–2021)

Derek Yach (born 21 November 1955) is a global public health expert and former president of the Foundation for a Smoke-Free World.[1] He is a former employee of the World Health Organization, Yale University, The Rockefeller Foundation, and PepsiCo. Currently, he is active as a global health advocate and independent consultant specializing in chronic conditions, mental health wellbeing, and leveraging the intersection of private and public entities with emerging technologies.

Education

He received his MBChB from the University of Cape Town in 1979, his BSc (Hons Epi) from Stellenbosch University in 1982, and his MPH from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health[2] in 1985. In 2007, he received an honorary DSc from Georgetown University.[3]

Career

Yach's career has spanned over four decades, during which he has held numerous leadership roles in both the public and private sectors:

• Centre for Epidemiological Research: Founder and Director, developing a national infrastructure for epidemiological research in South Africa (1985–1995).[4]
• WHO: Executive Director for Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health, spearheading initiatives like the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and the Global Strategy on Diet and Physical Activity.
• Yale University: Professor of Global Health[5]
• The Rockefeller Foundation: Director of Global Health[6]
• PepsiCo: Senior Vice President of Global Health and Agriculture Policy (2007–2012)[7]
• Vitality Institute: Executive Director (2012–2015), Chief Health Officer (2015–2017), and Senior Vitality Consultant (March–August 2017)[8]
• Foundation for a Smoke-Free World: Founder and President (2017–2021)[9]
• Global Health Strategies LLC: Independent consultant (2021–present)

Memberships and associations

Yach serves on several advisory boards, including the NIH's John E. Fogarty International Center,[10] the Board of Directors of Cornerstone Capital Group,[11] and the Wellcome Trust's Sustaining Health Committee.[12] He is also a board member of several influential health organizations and a mentor to the next generation of leaders.

Publications

Yach has authored or co-authored over 250 peer-reviewed articles in prestigious journals such as Science, Nature, The BMJ, and The Lancet. His work has been widely recognized and cited by major media outlets.[13]

Awards and Honors

Yach has received numerous accolades, including an honorary Doctor of Science from Georgetown University[14] and being a finalist for the Nelson Mandela Award in South Africa.

Personal Interests

Yach is an avid open water swimmer and is passionate about combining artificial intelligence with biotechnology to enhance public health outcomes worldwide.[15]

References

1. "Foundation commits to end smoking". tobacco reporter. tobacoreporter.com=19 January 2017.
2. "Records and Registration | Johns Hopkins | Bloomberg School of Public Health". publichealth.jhu.edu. Retrieved 24 July 2024.
3. "Derek Yach". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 1 May 2020.
4. "Centre for Epidemiological Research," South African Medical Research Council, Annual Report 1995
5. "PSYC 123 - Lecture 14 - Perspectives of the Food Industry (Guest Lecture by Derek Yach) | Open Yale Courses". oyc.yale.edu. Retrieved 24 July 2024.
6. "Derek Yach". True Health Initiative. Retrieved 24 July 2024.
7. Charles, Dan. "How One Man Tried To Slim Down Big Soda From The Inside". npr.org.
8. "Dr. Derek Yach". www.vitalitygroup.com/. Retrieved 24 July 2024.
9. "Philip Morris Pledges $1 Billion to Fight Smoking". Bloomberg.com. 13 September 2017. Retrieved 24 July 2024.
10. "September 10, 2013 Advisory Board Meeting Agenda - Fogarty International Center @ NIH". Fogarty International Center. Retrieved 24 July 2024.
11. "ORCID". orcid.org. Retrieved 24 July 2024.
12. TEDx Talks (23 December 2016). It's Time to Focus on Health Prevention and Promotion | Derek Yach | TEDxMonteCarlo. Retrieved 24 July 2024 – via YouTube.
13. "derek yach". scholar.google.com. Retrieved 24 July 2024.
14. "Honorary Degree Recipients". Governance. Retrieved 24 July 2024.
15. Swimmer, Outdoor (6 November 2023). ""Swimming has been my lifesaver"". Outdoor Swimmer Magazine. Retrieved 24 July 2024.