Barney began his communications and marketing career at BAE Systems. During his 11 years with the defence and aerospace company, he covered a wide variety of roles from marketing communications, international media relations, internal change programmes and digital strategy.
He moved to Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer in January 2012 to set up the firm’s first digital marketing team. This included launching a new website (twice), developing and implementing social media strategies and encouraging the wider adoption of digital channels in the firm’s marketing and business development efforts.
In June 2015 he took responsibility for the whole communications team. This included marketing communications, digital, PR, internal communications and events.
In June 2018 he left Freshfields to start Hagen Communications, where he advised clients on all aspects of their communications and marketing, particularly in personal brand, digital and social media strategy, and marketing technology investment.
He joined global consultancy AlixPartners, a former client, in January 2021 initially to lead their marketing efforts in the UK. In March 2022 he took on the role of Head of Digital Marketing. Since late 2023 he has also been responsible for AlixPartners marketing in Asia Pacific and the marketing and communications for the firm’s technology partnerships and platforms.