David Totten

PARTNER

David Totten is a senior strategy advisor with 30 years of international experience, including 16 years in Cambodia and the Mekong region.

He has advised corporate leaders, investors, and development institutions operating in complex and emerging markets. Previously led Emerging Markets Consulting, overseeing a 50-person regional team and more than 100 strategic assignments spanning market entry, sector analysis, investment feasibility, and value chains, David combines global standards, local insight, and disciplined analysis to guide high-stakes strategic decisions and long-term growth.

Languages: English, German, Russian

Areas of Focus: Market Research & Feasibility Studies, Economic & Policy Strategy, Industry & Value Chain Transformation

  • Career:

    • Former head of Emerging Markets Consulting (EMC), leading a 50-person regional team across the Mekong region

    • Led and advised 100+ strategic assignments across Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar

    • Previous leadership: enterprise software startup (UK); telecom roles across Germany, Russia, Greece, and the UK with global companies

    • Regular speaker on business and investment, including agriculture, clean energy, logistics, entrepreneurship, and investment climate (corporates, business chambers, and government trade agencies)

    Education:

    • Université libre de Bruxelles, LLM, International Business Law (2021, Belgium, Magna Cum Laude)

    • University of Strathclyde, Postgraduate Diploma in Economics (UK, 2015, Distinction)

    • St. Petersburg Institute of Economics & Finance, Advanced Russian Language & Literature (1995, St. Petersburg, Russia)

    • Middlesex University, BA Hons, Business (1992, London, UK)

    • Reutlingen Fachhochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft, Diplom (FH), Business (Betriebswirtschaftslehre) (1990, Reutlingen, Germany)

  • Selected Client Work:

    • E-Mart: assessed market opportunities in modern grocery

    • Khmer Beverages (Chip Mong): beer sector market sizing and segmentation for syndicated financing

    • Chip Mong Insee Cement: waste sourcing strategy development

    • Cold chain startup: go-to-market strategy

    • USAID Harvest III (2022–2027): Senior Investment & Finance Expert (logistics, export finance/packaging, feed, testing, inputs, investment facilitation)

    • World Food Logistics Organization:

      • Deputy Team Lead — feasibility study for a new cold chain operator

      • Advisor — assessment of Cambodia’s temperature-controlled logistics market (Khmer Cold Chain)

    • World Bank: Team Lead — informal feedback platform between Cambodia’s Senior Minister of Commerce and international CEOs