DGA Group Welcomes Ted Dean as Partner and Co-lead of China Practice, Sunita Patnaik as Partner and Head of New Delhi Office
Washington, D.C. – February 26, 2025 – DGA Group, an expert-led advisory firm, today announced the appointment of Ted Dean as Partner and co-lead of DGA-Albright Stoneridge Group’s China practice based in Washington, D.C. and Sunita Patnaik as Partner and head of the New Delhi office.
Ted Dean joins the firm following a distinguished career in government, business, and international affairs. Most recently, he served as principal advisor on international affairs to U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, advising on a range of issues and initiatives across the world, including playing a key role in shaping China policy. He coordinated engagements with Chinese counterparts, led U.S. Commerce Department activities in the U.S.-EU Trade and Technology Council, and oversaw the relaunch of the U.S.-India CEO Forum. Previously, Mr. Dean worked as the global head of public policy at Dropbox. He also served in the Obama administration as Deputy Assistant Secretary and Acting Assistant Secretary in the International Trade Administration of the Commerce Department. Prior to his time in government, he resided in China for 16 years where he ran a strategy consulting and investment advisory firm and served as Chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce in China.
Mr. Dean succeeds longtime Partner Amy Celico, who has transitioned to become a Senior Advisor and will become Executive Director of Schwarzman Scholars. Mr. Dean will collaborate with China Practice Co-Lead Jin Ligang, who is based in Beijing.
“Ted’s extensive background in commerce and trade policy with both public and private sector perspectives will significantly enhance our ability to advise clients on complex global issues,” said Dan K. Rosenthal, Managing Partner of DGA-Albright Stonebridge Group. “His expertise in navigating the shifting dynamics of trade and technology policies will be invaluable to our clients.”
Sunita Patnaik brings more than 20 years of experience in corporate affairs, specializing in public policy, advocacy, corporate communications, crisis management, reputation management, and media relations in India. She has played a central role in engaging with stakeholders from the public, private, and socials sectors in prior roles at Cargill, Walmart, Meta, and Mars Wrigley. At Mars Wrigley, she was part of the India Leadership Team, where she led public affairs, stakeholder management, advocacy, corporate and brand reputation, crisis management, and internal communications throughout the country.
“Sunita’s deep understanding of diverse industries and her vast experience in corporate affairs will significantly strengthen our regional team,” said Atman Trivedi, Partner and lead of the South Asia practice in Washington, D.C. “Her leadership and sophisticated understanding of public policy and public affairs will enhance our capabilities to serve clients in the region’s rapidly evolving business environment.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Ted Dean and Sunita Patnaik, two outstanding professionals, to our global team. Their extensive experience, expertise, and judgment will be of great value to our clients and our global team. We are also delighted that our colleague Amy Celico will remain a part of our team and clients will continue to benefit from her wise counsel,” Mr. Rosenthal added.
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, government relations, and business intelligence consultants, we help clients navigate and shape global policy, reputational, and financial issues. To learn more, visit dgagroup.com.