Dirk Cotterell

Chief Talent Acquisition and Development Officer/Founder

Dirk Cotterell founded the search and recruiting firm in 1991, after a successful senior management career in the software industry. As Founder of The NaviTrust Group, Cotterell works to ensure that the firm continues to build upon the solid foundation he established, and that the company’s brand strengthens its leadership position in the recruiting industry.

He formerly held various positions with CADAM/IBM, a developer of CAD/CAM software, including: general manager of European operations; president of CADAM Deutschland GmbH based in Germany; and as director of worldwide sales. He has extensive experience in international commerce, having conducted business in France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, The Netherlands, and Singapore.

Cotterell earned a bachelor’s degree in organizational communications from Brigham Young University and a master’s degree in business management from the University of LaVerne. Cotterell took a leave of absence from the firm (2009-2012) to serve as president of the North Carolina Raleigh Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Cotterell took a second leave of absence for 23 months returning in March 2016 as he served as an In-field Representative for the Missionary Department of the LDS Church. He and his wife Lilly Ann served leaders in the Pacific and Asia North Areas on matters related to full-time missionary service.