Kerry Knief
Epsom,SURREY
Summary
Senior partnerships leader with 20+ years’ experience driving strategic growth, commercial performance, and long-term client value across insurance, financial services, and payments. Proven track record managing multimillion-pound portfolios and leading high-value partnerships (up to €62m), delivering revenue growth through strategic account development, innovation, and cross-functional collaboration. Experienced in P&L ownership, executive stakeholder engagement, and developing high-performing teams to deliver scalable, sustainable growth across complex partnership ecosystems.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Key Account Manager
NEOSURF / AMACK CONSULTANTS
05.2023 - Current
- Lead the strategic management and development of key merchant partnerships across multiple international markets within a fast-paced fintech environment.
- Drive commercial growth by identifying expansion opportunities, increasing transaction volumes, and strengthening partner performance.
- Own end-to-end partnership lifecycle from onboarding through optimisation and long-term development.
- Negotiate complex commercial agreements aligned to regional regulatory requirements and business objectives.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with legal, compliance, and technical teams to deliver scalable, compliant client solutions.
- Monitor performance metrics, market trends, and revenue drivers to inform strategic decision-making.
- Key Achievements: - Secured new multi merchant contract enabling compliance with Italian regulatory changes, strengthening market position - Expanded merchant portfolio and increased transaction volumes through proactive partnership development strategies.
Senior Corporate Relationship Manager
ARC LEGAL GROUP
01.2019 - 05.2023
- Led the strategic management of a portfolio of six major corporate partnerships within the insurance sector, driving revenue growth, profitability, and long-term client value.
- Owned portfolio P&L performance, delivering against financial targets and ensuring strong revenue visibility.
- Developed and executed account development plans to expand partnerships and unlock new revenue streams.
- Built and maintained senior stakeholder relationships, acting as a trusted advisor to clients and internal leadership.
- Led tenders, strategic reviews, and commercial negotiations for high-value contracts.
- Ensured full compliance with FCA regulations and internal governance standards.
- Mentored and developed team members, driving high-quality partnership management and performance.
- Key Achievements: - Secured and onboarded Sky (£6m contract), delivering significant portfolio growth - Consistently delivered profitable growth through strategic account expansion and retention initiatives.
Senior Account Manager & Leadership Roles
AXA PARTNERS
10.1998 - 01.2019
- Progressed through multiple senior commercial and leadership roles within a global insurance organisation, managing large-scale partnerships and contributing to strategic business growth.
- Led the management of major international partnerships, including a €62m pan-European account.
- Drove portfolio growth through cross-sell, upsell, and strategic client development initiatives.
- Managed complex contract negotiations, renewals, and pricing strategies.
- Collaborated with senior leadership, reporting into Deputy CEO level.
- Led cross-functional initiatives to improve operational performance and customer experience.
- Recruited, trained, and developed high-performing teams across multiple functions.
- Key Achievements: - Managed and grew one of AXA UK’s largest partnerships (Cartrawler €62m) - Delivered successful market expansion into Australia and New Zealand - Led development of a multilingual claims platform, improving customer experience and operational efficiency - Supported revenue growth through innovation and expansion of existing client relationships.
Education
BTEC National Diploma - Media
East Surrey College
9 GCSEs - A–C including Maths & English
Epsom & Ewell High School
Skills
- Strategic Partnership Management
- Portfolio Growth & Expansion
- Commercial Strategy & Negotiation
- P&L Ownership
- Revenue Growth
- Stakeholder Engagement (C-Suite)
- Account Development Planning
- Cross-Functional Leadership
- Regulatory Compliance & Governance
- Team Leadership & Development
Custom Section
- Managed partnerships generating up to €62m in revenue.
- Delivered multi-million-pound contract wins and portfolio growth.
- Demonstrated consistent success in expanding existing partnerships and increasing profitability.
- Built and maintained senior-level client relationships across complex organisational structures.
References
Available on request
Timeline
Key Account Manager
NEOSURF / AMACK CONSULTANTS
05.2023 - Current
Senior Corporate Relationship Manager
ARC LEGAL GROUP
01.2019 - 05.2023
Senior Account Manager & Leadership Roles
AXA PARTNERS
10.1998 - 01.2019
BTEC National Diploma - Media
East Surrey College
9 GCSEs - A–C including Maths & English
Epsom & Ewell High School