Ward Hadaway hires new marketing director

Ward Hadaway, a top 100 UK law firm, has recently appointed Dale Gorley as its newly created Director of Marketing. This role is focused on enhancing the firm’s market position and facilitating its long-term growth plans. Dale comes from Womble Bond Dickinson, where he held various senior marketing roles over the past decade, most recently overseeing marketing activities across the UK and internationally. He will be based in Ward Hadaway's Newcastle office and will work closely with managing partner Steven Petrie and the broader leadership team to establish a strategic, insight-led marketing function that aligns with the firm's commercial priorities.

In his new position, Dale’s responsibilities will include elevating the firm's visibility in key regions and sectors, ensuring that marketing contributes measurably to business performance. He aims to bring marketing and business development closer together while refining systems and processes and building a robust marketing team. Reflecting on his new role, Dale remarked: “What attracted me to Ward Hadaway was the combination of ambition, independence and momentum." He believes the firm has a strong reputation with deep regional roots and clear growth ambitions.

Dale's immediate focus will be to gather insights through engagement with partners, teams, and clients, which he believes will help in sharpening the firm's market positioning. He emphasised the importance of being data-led, stating: “Strong brands are clear about what they stand for and consistent in how they communicate it.” He aims to strengthen Ward Hadaway's existing platform to achieve greater visibility, distinctiveness, and relevance in crucial markets.

With a wealth of experience in brand development, digital transformation, CRM implementation, and team leadership, Dale has a proven track record. His previous role involved supporting significant organisational changes, including mergers and a brand refresh. His appointment comes after Ward Hadaway's ongoing investment and growth, marked by the opening of a new Birmingham office and last year’s merger with The Endeavour Partnership, which enhances the firm's national presence.

Steven Petrie, Managing Partner of Ward Hadaway, noted: “Dale brings significant experience of building high-performing marketing functions within ambitious law firms." He believes Dale's role will be crucial in reinforcing the firm’s brand, profile, and client engagement, all while maintaining its distinctive culture and independence. With nearly 600 employees across its offices in the North of England and the Midlands, Ward Hadaway continues to provide national legal services across various sectors.