Ali Blackwell-Cook

Executive Impact Snapshot

• Led international growth programmes across 40+ jurisdictions with a YOY uplift of 36% after year 1.
• Generated £1m+ recurring annual revenue through commercial propositions.
• Operated at executive level within KPMG Law, advising UK and global leadership.
• Built flagship client engagement platform creating measurable pipeline opportunities.
• Led teams of up to 30 in complex matrix environments.
• Deep active network across senior in-house counsel, private practice partners and legal market influencers across UK, Ireland and Europe.
• Developed AI-enabled growth models improving targeting, relationship development and opportunity creation.

Key Differentiators

• Combines strategic leadership with hands-on commercial delivery.
• Rare blend of law firm, legal media and independent market ecosystem experience.
• Strong connectivity across buyers and sellers of legal services.
• Able to operate credibly with C-suite, partners and BD teams alike.
• Proven at entering new markets and building traction quickly.

Executive Profile

Senior business development and growth leader with 13+ years experience driving commercial performance across legal and professional services sectors. Proven success strengthening client relationships, unlocking cross-border opportunities and delivering sustainable revenue growth across the UK, Europe and international markets.

Professional Experience

Independent Consultant | 2024- Present

• Advise legal and professional services firms on strategic growth, AI-enabled business development and client ecosystems.
• Founded Legal Redefined Network, senior legal community spanning UK, Ireland and Europe.
• Provide clients with access to market insight, relationship pathways and buyer priorities. Advise on partnerships, propositions and go-to-market growth models.

Head of Strategy & Markets-KPMG Law (UK & Global) | 2020 – 2024

• Operated within UK and Global Law leadership environment, advising senior stakeholders on growth strategy, market positioning and investment priorities.
• Developed the UK legal investment case, brand launch and market narrative, contributing to significant investment and doubling of the UK legal business.
• Supported global law investment positioning and communications to strengthen internal alignment and market confidence.
• Designed and launched Legal Reimagined, flagship General Counsel engagement platform generating pipeline opportunities and senior client access.
• Led legal directories and awards strategy across UK and global markets, delivering year-on-year progression in The Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners rankings; recognised as the only Big Four law firm in The Times Best Law Firms.
• Created integrated internal and external content and communications strategy for UK and global law business.
• Led cross-border growth initiatives across UK, Europe and APAC, including strategic collaborations with Microsoft, Icertis at CLOC and content partnerships at WCC.
• Helped shift BD maturity from reactive pitching to proactive, insight-led growth models using client intelligence and market insight enabled by AI.
• Used client insight and market intelligence to strengthen pursuits and relationship growth.

Head of Client Solutions-Legal 500 | 2014 – 2020

• Led commercial growth programmes across 40+ jurisdictions.
• Built £1m+ recurring annual revenue portfolio.
• Created sponsorship, events and market visibility propositions.
• Built senior relationships across law firms, in-house leaders and legal tech.

Earlier Commercial Leadership Roles

• Managed £30m business units.
• Led teams of up to 30 across international markets.
• Held senior commercial roles across London, Sydney and New York.

Queen’s University Belfast: BSSC Economics & Political Science

Founder: Legal Redefined Network, Active member: Diversity Amplified | Hera | Law Without Walls

Advisory Board Member: GC Wellbeing Network (2024-2025)