Wardroom-to-Boardroom Founder & Coach

A native of Katy, Texas, Darren graduated from Katy High School with honors where he was active in numerous sports and academic activities. He later graduated from the US Naval Academy Class of 1992 with a Bachelor of Science in History and was commissioned an Ensign in the US Navy in May 1992. He earned his Masters Degree with Honors from the Naval Postgraduate School in 1998.

His career spans over 35 years of leadership and management serving in the US Navy and the corporate world, culminating in the command of two warships, managing an international business in Vietnam, and integrating a manufacturing business in the United Kingdom. 

Darren’s career at sea was primarily on cruisers and destroyers. He commanded USS STERETT (DDG 104) and USS LAKE ERIE (CG 70). Known for his emphasis on warfighting, Darren’s ships have twice won the Spokane Trophy which recognizes the best ship in warfighting in the Pacific Fleet and numerous Battle Efficiency awards. 

Ashore he served as South Asia Desk office at PACOM, the Executive Assistant to Commander Naval Surface Forces, and Naval Personnel Branch Head for mid-career officer management. A specialist in organizational change and start-ups, he served as plankowner at the Naval Surface & Mine Warfighting Development Center where he was the “father” of both the Surface Weapons Tactics Instructor (WTI) program and the premier at sea tactical training exercise now known as Surface Warfare Advanced Tactical Training (SWATT). He retired from active duty as a Captain in 2018 after 26 years of service. 

Following retirement from the Navy, Darren entered the civilian sector at Shell based in Houston, Texas. After two assignments in the U.S., Darren served in a number of corporate roles around the globe. As General Manager for Shell Lubricants in Vietnam, Darren led strong growth across the business and won Best Place to work from HR Asia in both 2022 and 2023. His last assignment in Shell was the integration manager of a new acquisition by Shell in the United Kingdom where he led the full integration of the business inside of Shell Lubricants EMEA. 

Darren's multiple roles in Shell provided extensive business experience including expertise in the end-to-end value chain across multiple businesses. Additionally, he served on the Leadership Team in 3 of Shell's 4 global regions. Having left Shell in September 2025, he now is focused on assisting veterans transition to the corporate world.