Maria Kotova is a Global Business Development Manager and Senior Advisor at our international partner firm, Dezan Shira & Associates (DSA). From her base in Shanghai, Maria heads up the DSA UK and Ireland Desk where her focus is to help British and Irish businesses to navigate China and SE Asia markets. Working closely with DSA’s British and Irish partners, including RfM Accountants, Maria ensures that UK and Ireland-based clients receive the highest standards of support and expertise. She is also responsible for managing business development and marketing campaigns in the region.
Maria has a strong understanding of the regulatory issues, business environment factors and industry services that affect foreign businesses investing in China and SE Asia, and provides expert advice on company formation, taxation and legal issues.
Maria is also an in-demand speaker at international events where she shares her knowledge on legal, tax and financial issues in SE Asia. She is a regular contributor of valuable business intelligence to the firm’s publishing company, Asia Briefing Ltd., and acts as a key thought leader providing comments to South China Morning Post and other internationally-recognised publications.
As head of DSA’s Russian Desk, Maria also assists Russian clients with their plans for China and the rest of Asia, liaising on their behalf with our offices throughout the region.
Prior to joining Dezan Shira & Associates in 2013, Maria gained invaluable experience working in both international and domestic firms in China. She achieved a Master’s in Management & Chinese at South China Normal University, a Bachelor’s in International Affairs & Relations from Saint Petersburg State Polytechnic University, and also holds a certificate in Chinese studies from Liaoning University.