Alex Cook Account Director, EQ Customer Resolutions Introduction and what your role is at EQ
I’m one of our Account Directors in our Customer Resolution division. Based in Bristol but working across the UK, I work across regulated industries to see if they need support with our “Plan B” model, using skilled contingent resource to temporarily help fill future gaps so their operations aren’t impacted.
What office are you located at and tell us something special about this location?
I’m a remote worker based in Bristol, but often find myself travelling across the country for a coffee or two! I pop into our Reading hub now and again to catch up with the wider team.
What has happened in your career to this point?
I started my career in Equiniti in a small technology business that supported central government, which ultimately ended up being acquired by Equiniti. Starting in an account management role, I quickly moved into solution sales and was lucky enough to work alongside major Government departments, like the Foreign Office, Home Office, and the Ministry of Justice. I pretty much spent my 20’s in Westminster!
When we were acquired by Equiniti, I pivoted into working alongside the private sector and into Equiniti’s large breadth of FTSE clients. I then moved to another tech company focusing on large Microsoft propositions, before returning to Equiniti a few years later when an opportunity to join the Hazell Carr business was too good to miss.
What do you like about EQ?
Absolutely everyone gets stuck in - no matter their level of seniority. If you need support on a project or on a solution sale, a quick email or phone call to someone is all that’s needed and people are happy to advise and guide where appropriate.
What’s your biggest EQ achievement?
When an opportunity strikes, it’s all systems go - and I love being a problem solver. Many years ago, I heard a Cabinet minister talk about a consumer problem during a live morning radio interview and he wasn’t sure how to fix it. I reached out to his team, explained how we could solve it with tech, and I was on a secure line talking to said Cabinet minister later that afternoon!
What you are looking forward to in the future at EQ?
I love the fact that no two days look the same here, and that’s only going to accelerate. If you look at the market right now, from traditional credit management to digital asset firms, everyone is hitting unexpected capacity bottlenecks. Whether it's a sudden surge in complex complaints, a post-migration data clean-up, or a Crypto firm needing to get plans in place before they seek FSMA authorisation later this year, we’re having conversations with pretty much everyone about everything.
Fun fact/hobby about yourself!
I’m a keen traveller, and try and get away whenever I can with my partner. I’ve unfortunately built up a bit of a reputation when turning up to client offices for a Friday meeting, dragging a large suitcase, before going on to end my day in Heathrow. Customers tend to greet me on a Friday with “So where are you off to now…?” rather than a “Hello!”
Thank you to Alex for sharing his thoughts with us.