Kevin Cottrell

As director of organizational learning and systems integration, Kevin works to develop capacity in the company’s 25 offices, ensuring that team members are equipped to provide top-notch products and service for BGA’s clients. Kevin exemplifies the company’s motto of putting people first as he leads its talent development, training programs and implementation of technology platforms.

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, digital economy, healthcare, energy and infrastructure development, his specialties included political risk analysis, issue monitoring and crisis management.

Kevin has extensive experience in the Indo-Pacific and speaks multiple regional languages. He 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, where he performed international trade data and risk analysis for U.S. textile and apparel manufacturers and foreign embassies.

Kevin also holds a bachelor’s degree in linguistics from Brigham Young University and spent time working for translation/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