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Washington, D.C. | May 7, 2025 – The Asia Group is excited to announce the expansion of its Defense and National Security Practice with the launch of the TAG Indo-Pacific Defense Incubator (IPDI) initiative, led by TAG Senior Advisor Kelly Magsamen.

“Kelly offers unparalleled insight into the region’s defense conditions and boasts a remarkable track record of identifying high-impact opportunities in the Indo-Pacific defense sector,” said Dr. Kurt M. Campbell, Chairman and Co-Founder of TAG. “TAG’s Indo-Pacific Defense Incubator will transform the landscape of defense innovation by facilitating the demands of U.S. partners and allies for critical next-generation technologies and unlock unprecedented opportunities for strategic partnerships and investment across the region. This includes leveraging initiatives and frameworks such as AUKUS, U.S.-Japan’s DICAS, and U.S.-India TRUST.”

Under the leadership of Magsamen and TAG Partners for Defense and National Security, Christopher Johnstone and Abraham Denmark, the Indo-Pacific Defense Incubator will bring together emerging U.S. and allied defense technology companies, government stakeholders, and investors to drive cross-border collaboration on defense innovation, unlock capital, and accelerate commercialization of cutting-edge technologies in the region.

“Geostrategic competition in the Indo-Pacific will drive defense growth for decades with massive potential for innovation, investment, and strategic partnerships,” said Rexon Ryu, President of TAG. “With Kelly at the helm, TAG is uniquely positioned to enable companies and investors to capitalize on these expanding opportunities and drive the next generation of defense innovation, co-development, and co-production between the United States and the region.”

Kelly Magsamen has a demonstrated track record over two decades as one of the leading U.S. national security strategists, having served in senior positions at the Department of Defense, the National Security Council, and the State Department. Magsamen most recently served as Chief of Staff to the Secretary of Defense from 2021 to 2024, where she provided strategic counsel to the Secretary on all matters concerning the Department, and Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs from 2016 to 2017. She also served on the National Security Council staff for two Presidents and four National Security Advisors from 2008 to 2014, including as Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Strategic Planning.

“The U.S. and its allies need a far more integrated industrial base to produce, scale, and field these emerging defense capabilities in the near term,” said Magsamen. “I’m excited to join TAG to continue work on this mission.”

TAG’s Defense & National Security Practice drives strategic outcomes, partnerships, and sales for the world’s leading defense companies. Since 2013, TAG has enabled its clients to successfully develop and execute comprehensive go-to-market strategies, providing unique insights to navigate the complexities of the Indo-Pacific defense and security markets. With offices in New Delhi, Mumbai, Tokyo, Hanoi, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Taipei, Singapore, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Seoul, and Washington, DC, TAG is uniquely positioned to offer real-time, in-market expertise that empowers clients to adapt and thrive in an evolving geopolitical, security, and business landscape.

For more information, please visit www.theasiagroup.com or contact David Edwards at (202) 771-5222 or dedwards@keybridge.biz.

About The Asia Group

The Asia Group is the premier strategic advisory firm to the world’s leading companies seeking to excel across the Indo-Pacific. With a team of dynamic and experienced professionals – from consultants and former senior government officials to lawyers and investment bankers – The Asia Group supports companies with end-to-end integrated strategies for market entry and expansion.