Team

I connect the dots between telcos, techcos, and innovation.

With decades of experience across telecom, cloud communications and infrastructure, I help industry leaders turn disruption into opportunity. From the early days of high performance computing to today’s CPaaS, APIs, CX and AI-driven networks, I’ve always been at the forefront of what’s next.

AI is the biggest disruption of them all, and it’s coming fast for the telco and cloud communications space. I build platforms and work with tech companies and service providers to not just react, but lead.

As founder of The Next Cloud (2014) and CPaaSAA (2019), I work with global players to accelerate growth through strategy, ecosystem design, and real-world use cases. Building the $100B intelligent engagement future - one use case, partner, and client at a time.

My passion lies in creating the bridges between scaleups and enterprises, infrastructure and intelligence, strategy and execution.

Let’s create impact together.

Andrew Collinson is a telecoms and connected technologies expert, specializing in growth strategy, research, and thought leadership. As founder of Connective Insights, he helps clients translate new technologies into viable business models, with a focus on CPaaS, APIs, platform strategies, AI, and network automation.

Previously, Andrew was Research and Commercial Director at STL Partners for 15 years, leading a successful research business. He also moderates events, conducts bespoke research, and advises on telecom innovation, stakeholder dynamics, and digital transformation.

Laila is the driving force behind CPaaSAA’s signature events, known for their energy, intimacy, and impact. With a sharp eye for detail and a deep sense of aesthetics, she ensures every experience—from high-level strategy dinners to immersive workshops—feels both purposeful and personal.

Opinionated, honest, and refreshingly direct, Laila brings people together around a common cause. She thrives on collaboration and believes that beautiful things are built when trust, practicality, and shared ownership align. No fluff—just results. Her mantra: put your money where your mouth is.

At CPaaSAA, Laila keeps things grounded, human, and real—while raising the bar every time.

Gert-Jan is a commercial leader with a drive towards change and innovation. He has a track record in building and leading (international) teams in sales, product management and business development in wholesale, corporate and scale-up environments. Gert-Jan has over 25 years of experience in very competitive and rapidly changing B2B markets (ICT, Telecom, Data Center, Mobile, IoT, SaaS and CPaaS).

In his current role with CPaaSAA, Gert-Jan is focusing on creating a strong ecosystem of communication platform and service providers, enablers, technology vendors, sales partners, advisory partners, industry experts and media to collaborate for mutual success and growth.

Next to his role at the CPaaSAA, Gert-Jan is a mentor in the start up community and partner in an innovative software company.

Kevin Nethercott is a renowned leader in the CPaaS industry, with extensive experience in global business development and channel management. He has a proven track record of success in developing and bringing to market innovative technologies that fundamentally change how communication services are developed and deployed, he is widely recognized as a thought leader in the industry.

Kevin has played a key role in the creation of the CPaaS enablement category, bringing new CPaaS technology to carriers around the world. He joined CPaaSAA as Managing Partner in 2022, playing a central role in building the alliance through its growth phase. In 2026 he became Chairman of the Board as he stepped back from day-to-day operations to lead a new venture - bringing his continued strategic perspective to CPaaSAA's next chapter.

Over the years, Kevin has founded or been part of the founding team of six companies, from Silicon Valley to Tokyo, where he developed business plans, raised capital, assembled teams, developed products, and led efforts to take them to market. He has also served on the Board of Director and member of the founding team for two additional industry associations, Internet of Things Talent Consortium and SIP Forum of Japan. With his unparalleled expertise and leadership, Kevin has helped companies transform their communication services, increase revenue, and improve their customer engagement strategies.

Throughout his career, Kevin has demonstrated a talent for consistently seeing the big picture and finding creative solutions to complex problems. He is highly respected for his work ethic, integrity, and ability to stay calm and focused under pressure. Kevin's global experience and expertise in working with channel partners make him a valuable asset to any organization seeking to expand its reach and drive financial opportunities.

Robert has spent over 25 years using technology to solve operations challenges, improve employee experience, and create winning customer experiences. As CMO and head of product at IntelePeer, he pioneered the expansion of CPaaS beyond developers and into the enterprise with no-code/low-code automation, integrated AI, and off-the-shelf campaign and analytics tools.

Robert loves creating new things and is always asking big "what if" and "what's next" questions. As co-founder of Creo Solutions, he is working with technology and communications providers to expand their offerings, effectively reach new buyers, and create value for customers and shareholders alike.