Kennedys appoints new business development and marketing chief from Hogan Lovells to drive further growth

We have appointed a new chief business development and marketing officer.

Karen Snell, formerly of Hogan Lovells where she worked for almost 20 years, will set the agenda for all activity, overseeing a network of more than 65 colleagues worldwide.

She held a number of senior roles at Hogan Lovells managing the firm’s PR, corporate communications, marketing campaigns, and, most recently, marketing and business development for clients and industries.

Prior to that, Karen also spent three years as press office manager for global management consulting firm, McKinsey & Company.

She says: “I’m thrilled to join such a dynamic and innovative firm which has shown in recent years that growth can be achieved even in the most challenging market conditions.

“My career to date has been in professional services, most of it in the legal sector, and with a focus on recruiting, retaining and developing high-performing teams.

“I look forward to sharing what I’ve learned to help Kennedys continue its upward trajectory, and further reinforce its reputation as an industry leader.”

Karen will manage our business development and marketing team, which spans the UK, Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia and the Americas, to deliver projects that support the firm’s ambition to provide exceptional, fully integrated global services for the insurance and reinsurance industry. She will develop and share best practice, as well as working alongside the newly appointed head of responsible business to build on our reputation as a company committed to ESG change.

Suzanne Liversidge, managing partner, adds: “It is testament to our brilliant and talented people that demand for our services continues to grow, but it is also essential that we harness that in the right way and without compromising our high levels of service.  

“This is one of the areas where Karen has a real reputation for excellence and, with her deep understanding of the legal sector, I am delighted to welcome her and excited to see what we can achieve together.”

Karen’s appointment follows that of Kate Hursthouse, from Slaughter and May, who was announced this month as our new head of responsible business.

In the last twelve months, we have appointed Karen Peskett-Hall as chief transformation officer, and Alan Demirkaya as chief people officer, highlighting the firm’s commitment to driving the business forward.

We also recently opened a new office in Newcastle – our 13^th in the UK and 44^th globally – as well as moving our 600-strong London team into brand new offices in the Walkie-Talkie building, part of a firm-wide workplace transformation programme.