DGA Group Welcomes Dr. Markus Kerber, Andy Rothman, and Ambassador Laura Stone as Senior Advisors
Washington, D.C. – February 17, 2026 – DGA Group, an expert-led advisory firm, today announced the appointment of Markus Kerber, Andy Rothman, and Ambassador Laura Stone as Senior Advisors, based in Berlin, San Francisco, and Palo Alto respectively. At a time of heightened geopolitical fragmentation and industrial realignment, their expertise enhances DGA’s ability to help clients anticipate risk, seize opportunity, and stay ahead in critical global markets.
Dr. Markus Kerber is a recognized leader in European industry, finance, and public policy, with decades of experience bridging business and government. He is Managing Partner at 1886 Ventures GmbH and Chairman at Heinz Dürr GmbH. Previously, Dr. Kerber served as the Director General of the Federation of German Industries (BDI), Europe’s largest industry association that represents more than 100,000 manufacturing companies in Germany, with influence in Berlin, Brussels, Beijing, and across Europe. His government experience includes work at the Federal Ministry of the Interior, as State Secretary and Head of the Department of Policy Planning and International Analyses, and the Federal Finance Ministry, where he was served as Chief Economist. Dr. Kerber has also worked for S.G. Warburg & Co and Deutsche Bank and later became co-founder and CFO at IT service provider GFT Technologies in Stuttgart.
“Markus’ deep expertise in European industry and global business policy will greatly enhance our ability to support clients navigating international markets and complex regulatory environments,” said Joerg Wuttke, Partner at the firm.
Andy Rothman has had a distinguished career in China-focused macroeconomics, investment strategy, and global market advisory, including more than 20 years living and working in China. He is the Founder of Sinology LLC, where he advises institutional investors and companies on China’s economy and the implications of U.S.–China relations. Previously, Mr. Rothman served as China strategist for Matthews Asia and as Shanghai-based China macro strategist for CLSA, guiding pension funds, endowments, and sovereign wealth funds on China policy and market trends. Earlier in his career, he was a U.S. Foreign Service Officer focused on China, including serving as Taiwan desk officer at the State Department and as head of the macroeconomics and domestic policy office at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing. He is a Senior China Fellow with the Asia Society of Northern California and serves on the board of the Coral Tree Education Foundation.
Ambassador Laura Stone brings more than three decades of leadership experience at the intersection of geopolitics, economic statecraft, and corporate diplomacy. Most recently, she served as U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of the Marshall Islands, where she oversaw more than $360 million in annual U.S. assistance and advanced regional security, infrastructure development, and private-sector investment. Her distinguished State Department career includes leadership roles such as Deputy Assistant Secretary for China and Mongolia and Deputy Assistant Secretary for India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, directing policy, trade, and investment engagement across key global markets. She also served as the Deputy Coordinator of the Secretary of State’s Global COVID-19 Response, where she negotiated and implemented multinational frameworks spanning governments, multilateral institutions, and industry.
“Andy and Laura bring unique perspectives on China and unmatched expertise in navigating complex political and commercial environments across Asia and the broader Indo-Pacific region. Their combined experience will be invaluable as we help clients navigate one of the world’s most dynamic markets,” said Ted Dean, Partner and Co-Lead of the firm’s China practice.
“Markus, Andy, and Laura each bring exceptional expertise in diplomacy, strategy, and global business engagement,” said Dan K. Rosenthal, Managing Partner of DGA–Albright Stonebridge Group. “Their experience will significantly strengthen our ability to advise clients on navigating complex international environments across China, Europe, and the Indo-Pacific.”
About DGA Group
DGA Group is a global advisory firm that helps clients protect – and grow – what they have built in today’s complex business environment. We understand the challenges and opportunities of an increasingly regulated and interconnected world. Leveraging the experience and expertise of Albright Stonebridge Group, a leader in global strategy and commercial diplomacy, and a deep bench of communications, public affairs, and government relations consultants, we help clients navigate and shape global policy, reputational, and financial issues. To learn more, visit dgagroup.com.