Kogila Balakrishnan, MBA, PhD
Director of Client and Business Development (South East Asia)
Professional Overview
Kogila Balakrishnan is an experienced business development and client relations professional with a strong background in the education and defense industries. As the Director of Client and Business Development (South East Asia) at the University of Warwick, she is responsible for driving strategic growth initiatives and cultivating key partnerships across Southeast Asia.
Experience Summary
Current Role
Kogila has served as the Director of Client and Business Development (South East Asia) at the University of Warwick since 2015. In this role, she is accountable for expanding the university's presence and program offerings in the region, building a robust network of institutional and corporate partners, and spearheading innovative business development strategies. Under her leadership, the university has experienced significant growth in student enrollment and research collaborations in Southeast Asia.
Career Progression
Prior to her current position, Kogila held the role of Principal Fellow at the University of Warwick from 2011 to 2015, where she contributed to the institution's strategic planning and academic initiatives. She also served as a Visiting Fellow at Cranfield University from 2010 to 2021, leveraging her expertise in defense industry policy and research.
Kogila's earlier career includes a tenure as the Under Secretary of Defence Industry at the Ministry of Defence of Malaysia from 2000 to 2011, where she played a pivotal role in shaping defense procurement policies and fostering international defense partnerships. She also held a Research Fellow position at Cranfield University / UK Defence Academy from 2009 to 2010.
Academic Background
Kogila holds a PhD in Defence and Security Studies from Cranfield University and an MBA from the University of Warwick. She is also an Adjunct Professor at the Malaysian National Defence University, where she shares her extensive knowledge and expertise with the next generation of defense and security leaders.
Areas of Expertise
- Business development and client relations in the education and defense sectors
- Strategic partnership and collaboration building
- Higher education program development and expansion
- Defence industry policy and procurement
- Research and knowledge dissemination in defense and security studies
Professional Impact
Kogila's contributions have been instrumental in strengthening the University of Warwick's global reputation and expanding its reach in Southeast Asia. She has successfully brokered numerous high-impact partnerships with universities, government agencies, and multinational corporations, leading to increased student enrollments, research collaborations, and contract-based training programs.
Additionally, Kogila's thought leadership in defense industry policy and her role as an Adjunct Professor at the Malaysian National Defence University have made her a respected voice in the defense and security community.
Conclusion
With her comprehensive industry expertise, proven track record of strategic growth, and commitment to educational and defense innovation, Kogila Balakrishnan is a valuable asset to the University of Warwick and its stakeholders in Southeast Asia. Her dynamic leadership and collaborative approach continue to drive the institution's success in the region.
