Kevin J. Cottrell

Kevin has been part of the BGA team for over a decade, working to develop capacity in the company’s more than 30 locations. He exemplifies the company’s motto of putting people first as he leads the implementation of the company’s technology platforms to support BGA’s strategic initiatives.

Kevin joined BGA as the research director for mainland Southeast Asia, then was promoted to head of research to drive the company’s top-line research agenda. Covering a range of sectors including technology, the digital economy, health care, energy and infrastructure development, he specialized in political risk analysis, issue monitoring and crisis management. He later spent over six years leading talent and training programs to support his colleagues’ professional development and career growth, while subsequently building out the company’s technology infrastructure.

Kevin received a master’s degree from the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), concentrating in Southeast Asia studies and economic policy. During his studies, he interned at an international advisory and advocacy communications consultancy in Bangkok. Immediately prior to joining BGA, he worked for a government relations and public policy consultancy firm in Washington, D.C., specializing in international trade policy.

Kevin also holds a bachelor’s degree in linguistics and spent time working for translation and interpretation services before transitioning to international relations. He has studied various languages including Russian, French, Dutch, Korean, Lao and Burmese. He currently lives in Bangkok and speaks, reads and writes fluent Thai.

• Areas of Expertise

  Geographic

  • ASEAN
  • Cambodia
  • Global
  • Laos
  • Malaysia
  • Myanmar
  • Thailand
  • Vietnam

  Industries

  • Administration
  • Consulting
  • E-Commerce
  • Education
  • Electronics
  • Energy
  • Entertainment
  • Fast-Moving Consumer Goods
  • FinTech
  • Food & Beverage
  • Government Affairs
  • Hospitality
  • ICT
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Retail
  • Shipping
  • Technology
  • Telecommunications
  • Textiles
  • Travel & Tourism

  Functional Expertise

  • Government Affairs
  • Human Resources
  • Policy
  • Research & Development
  • Strategy
  • Trade
• Education
  • Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (2015)— Master of Arts in International Relations and International Economics; Southeast Asia Studies and Economic Policy
  • Brigham Young University (2008)— Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics