Mark Derks

As partner and CMO, Mark Derks is focused on bringing further innovation to Words At Work’s client strategy, branding, content, creative and digital offerings. Previously, Derks spent more than 20 years with C.H. Robinson where he most recently served as director of global marketing and led marketing strategy, brand management and external communications. Throughout his career, he has delivered global branding, content marketing, public relations and social media strategies that produce clear ROI. He deploys a “customer-first” philosophy and knows the cornerstone to any campaign’s success is empathy and passion – a combination of client service and listening to leader’s pain points.

He deploys a “customer-first” philosophy and knows the cornerstone to any campaign’s success is empathy and passion - a combination of client service and listening to leader’s pain points.

But what he’s most proud of is building solid teams that enjoy working together to achieve exceptional results. Currently, Derks serves as secretary on the board of directors for The BrandLab, a non-profit organization that presents high school students of diverse backgrounds with opportunities gain experience within the marketing industry. He also enjoys speaking at events nationwide to share his brand management, marketing strategy and external communications wisdom. When he’s not networking with marketing pros, you’ll find him mentoring up-and-coming professionals – – including many from his alma mater, the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, where he received his bachelor’s degree and played for the varsity golf team.