Reed Smith LLP enhances global client engagement with the appointment of Gillian Ward.
Client: Reed Smith LLP | Role: Chief Marketing and Business Development Officer | Candidate: Gillian Ward
Search Consultants: Amanda K. Brady, Sarah Mitchell, Pam DeLuca
Overview
Reed Smith LLP, a dynamic international law firm with over 1,700 attorneys across 30 offices worldwide, partnered with The Alexander Group to identify a strategic leader for the Chief Marketing and Business Development Officer role. The firm sought an executive capable of unifying its global marketing and business development strategies to support continued growth and integration.
Key Leadership Need
The firm required a seasoned professional to align marketing, client development, and operational initiatives across its global platform. The ideal candidate needed extensive experience building integrated strategies across jurisdictions, supporting firm-wide growth, and serving as a key executive partner to the firm’s leadership.
The Alexander Group’s Approach
The Alexander Group’s executive search team—led by Managing Director and Chief Client Officer Amanda K. Brady, Director Sarah Mitchell, and Associate Pam DeLuca—conducted a comprehensive international search focusing on senior marketing executives with a proven track record in global law firm environments.
- Developed a tailored search strategy aligned with Reed Smith’s vision for worldwide integration and client-centric growth
- Identified senior leaders experienced in marketing transformation and operational execution across multiple geographies
- Assessed candidates for executive presence, strategic capability, and alignment with firm leadership
Successful Placement and Impact
“Gillian is a key strategic hire for our firm as we focus on growing client relationships and expanding our presence in new and existing markets.
– Nick Bagiatis, Chief Operating Officer, Reed Smith LLP
Gillian Ward, formerly the Global Chief Marketing Officer at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP (US), was appointed Reed Smith’s Chief Marketing and Business Development Officer. She previously held senior leadership roles at Baker Botts LLP and brings extensive expertise in market development, client growth programs, and strategy formulation.
Immediate benefits:
- Unified Global Marketing Strategy: Gillian will oversee the integration of marketing and business development functions across Reed Smith’s 30 international offices.
- Strategic Growth Leadership: She brings a data-driven, client-focused approach to marketing that supports Reed Smith’s continued platform expansion.
- Executive Collaboration: As a key partner to the firm’s leadership, Gillian will contribute directly to high-level strategy and decision-making.
Insights from the Executive Search Team
“Gillian brings broad experience helping global law firms design and integrate marketing and business development initiatives across practices and continents, ensuring a comprehensive and holistic approach to support growth. She will be a key member of Reed Smith’s executive team and the ideal partner to Chair Casey Ryan and COO Nick Bagiatis as they lead the firm through continued strategic growth of its global platform.”
— Amanda K. Brady, Managing Director and Chief Client Officer, The Alexander Group
About Reed Smith LLP
Reed Smith LLP is a global law firm known for its deep industry knowledge, collaborative culture, and innovative approach to legal service delivery. With offices in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, the firm advises leading businesses on complex litigation, regulatory matters, and high-stakes transactions. Reed Smith is recognized for forging long-term client relationships and delivering forward-thinking legal solutions that support business growth.
About The Alexander Group
Specializing in executive search for law firms and financial leadership roles, The Alexander Group delivers strategic, results-driven placements tailored to each client’s needs.Interested in learning more about our executive recruitment services? Contact The Alexander Group today.