Bird and Bird is one of the world’s leading international law firms, with over 1300 lawyers in 30 offices across Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific and North America, as well as close ties with firms in other parts of the world. They have an array of practice areas, complemented by industry-focused sector groups, and specialise in supporting clients in organisations being changed by technology or the digital world. Known for their innovative client solutions, Bird & Bird position themselves by combining exceptional legal expertise with deep industry knowledge and refreshingly creative thinking, in order to help clients achieve their commercial goals.
For more information visit www.twobirds.com
David Price who runs the professional services practice at tml Partners, were engaged by Bird & Bird’s newly-promoted CMO, Sophie Bowkett who stepped up from her role as Head of Marketing Communications, to manage the search for her replacement, working closely alongside her. Managing a team of 15 across PR, internal and external communications, brand, digital and events, Bird & Bird were looking for someone with strong leadership skills and a creative flair to roll out dynamic and integrated campaigns using the full marcomms mix.
Drawing on her own experience as an ex-marketer in professional services, Grace was able to utilise her on-the-ground experience to understand the challenges and opportunities with the role in order to interpret the brief and find the right person for the job, while David was able to tap into his established community of marketing and communications leaders.
Working closely with Rachel Boyle in the HR team at Bird & Bird, an outstanding candidate was identified early on. Having spent nearly four years at Osborne Clarke as Head of Communications and Brand, Hayley Brooksbank has an impressive career spanning the legal sector but also working for ‘Big Four’ firm PwC and the commercial division of Network Rail.
One of the biggest challenges with this search – given the importance of culture at Bird & Bird – was being able to communicate the firm’s ethos and personality through an entirely virtual process. However, with tml Partners’ being an extension to the brand in taking their story to market, and Bird & Bird’s use of technology underpinning all operations, the process was managed seamlessly.
“Having recently started working with tml Partners, I’ve been hugely impressed with David and Grace. They showed a deep level of marketing knowledge, a good understanding of the market and a fantastic network. Culture and fit is hugely important to us at Bird & Bird, and they became an extension of the brand when taking our story to market, not just in finding someone who had the right skillset, but also someone who would be a great fit.”
Rachel Boyle, Recruitment Officer, Bird & Bird
“When we went into Lockdown I didn’t think that before we were through the other side I’d have a great new job! I wasn’t actively looking but when Grace told me about the role it was too good an opportunity to turn down. To be honest I’m not sure I would even have entered into the process if it wasn’t for Grace. It seemed crazy in these uncertain times to move jobs. Throughout the whole process I talked to Grace and because she genuinely knew the company she was able to advise me in a practical and proactive way. I think because she has a marketing background Grace really understood the issues and benefits of the role, which was a big help when you are interviewing via Zoom!”
Hayley Brooksbank, Head of Marketing Communications, Bird & Bird
tml Partners is an international executive marketing recruitment firm specialising in board level appointments across marketing, business development and corporate communications. David Price is currently partnering with leading firms across professional services to support the best in class development of in-house Marketing, Business Development, Communications and Digital expertise.
