Ryan Hogarty, Head of Business Development at Redkite - From Lawyer to Business Development

In this article, Ryan Hogarty reflects on a career journey that has taken him from practising as a solicitor in his native South Africa to now leading the Business Development and Marketing function at Redkite Solicitors. 

When I look back over the past five years, I’m struck by just how much has changed - both personally and professionally. Today, I am Head of Business Development at Redkite, where I oversee the firm’s business development and management functions.

Alongside this, I am also an Executive Coach, supporting our leadership development and coaching initiatives. It’s a role that allows me to combine my legal experience with my passion for people, growth, and strategy.

My Journey to Redkite

Having run my own practise in South Africa I was looking for a firm that was with ambitious and entrepreneurial . I had been in law firms that were resistant to change with a stiff and starchy management team and I was not looking to settle in that type of firm.  

I relocated to the United Kingdom with my wife and three children to begin what was an exciting but daunting transition.

From my very first conversations with Redkite’s partners and senior leaders, I could sense something different. This was a firm with a clear growth trajectory and an appetite for innovation. It wasn’t simply “another law firm”.

It is a place where people were encouraged to think differently, to push forward, and to play a role in shaping the future. That was exactly the kind of environment I wanted to be part of.

The right place for a change of direction

Redkite has been the right next step for me because it has allowed me to blend my legal background with my growing interest in business development and leadership coaching.

The firm didn’t just welcome that ambition - it actively encouraged it. I was given the space to develop these skills alongside my legal role, which has been instrumental in shaping my career.

The culture here has played a huge part too - the support across the firm is warm, friendly, and collaborative. It makes being part of the Redkite team a genuinely enjoyable and productive experience.

Looking back, I’ve been able to progress rapidly, thanks in large part to the supportive development framework that Redkite has in place. From monthly one-to-ones to biannual reviews, mentoring has been a constant part of my journey. Within three years, I moved from Solicitor to Associate, to Partner, and now to Head of Business Development.

Along the way, the firm sponsored courses, provided access to training, and, perhaps most importantly, gave me freedom and a platform. I was encouraged to set up networking groups, lead acquisitions and onboarding projects, and launch our first leadership coaching pods.

Why is Redkite different?

What sets Redkite apart from other firms is the combination of ambition and culture.

Yes, we are growing and striving, but we are also deeply connected and kind.

We are about what works for the team and the individuals and this permeates throughout the organisation.

We are also intentional with connecting our 17 offices and almost 300 strong firm together for firmwide Connect days, Leadership Summits, as well as Regional local gatherings so that local teams feel connected to each other and the wider firm.

And as I continue my journey here, I feel excited not just about what’s next for me, but about the future of the firm as a whole.