Business Development & Partnerships Leader
Ian Wallis
Blockchain Infrastructure & AI Ecosystem Builder
Proven track record launching frontier technology products at scale ($1.3B+ TVL), securing strategic partnerships with Fortune 500 companies, and building security-first programmes that protect end users.
About
Seeking to apply enterprise sales and web3 ecosystem experience to DeFi and agentic AI challenges. Expertise in translating complex technical innovations into market success while prioritising safety and responsible deployment.
With over 25 years of experience spanning management consulting at Accenture, enterprise sales leadership at Oracle, and pioneering blockchain business development at Consensys, I bring a unique blend of corporate best practices and innovative technology insight.
Experience
Business Development and Partnerships Lead
Linea — Consensys Software, Linea Consortium & Association
Ethereum Layer 2 zkroll-up blockchain network
- Secured CEX partnerships with Binance, OKX, Paribu, and Bitkub, including all Tier 1 and Tier 2 CEX listings for the $Linea token
- Led a stablecoin initiative with Circle, Monerium and Revolut, achieving over $100M in USDC TVL
- Facilitated market maker and OTC agreements securing Linea treasury funding
- Supported a Linea grants programme to foster ecosystem growth
- Implemented a robust security programme with Hexagate, Blockaid, Chainpatrol, Chainalysis and Elliptic
- Supported DeFi partnerships with Aave and 1inch, contributing to over $1B at peak TVL
Business Development and Partner Marketing Director
Consensys Software
Ethereum and EVM based Wallet and Blockchain Layer 2
- BD and Partner Marketing team lead across MetaMask, Infura, Linea L2, Phosphor
- Launched the Linea Layer 2 blockchain network achieving $1.3B in TVL after 1 year
- Wallet network enablement deals with Sei, Tron, Base, zkSync and others
- Strategic deals with WalletConnect and Blockaid
- Partnerships with Baanx, Binance, Coinbase, EigenLayer and Sky
- Managing a team of eight Business Development Managers
MetaMask Business Development Lead
Consensys Software
- Strategic account management across OpenSea, Uniswap, Google, Apple, Mozilla, Unity and Samsung
- Improved web3 Security reducing fund loss incidents by over 90%
- Established a MetaMask web3 dApp ecosystem programme
Business Development Director — Integration, Cognitive & DX PaaS
Oracle
- Regional leadership achieving 270% YOY growth, working with senior executives at major customers
- Accelerated enterprises' transition to iPaaS and Digital Experience cloud technology
- Directed AI Digital Assistant and Cognitive AI business development in key accounts
- Managing a team of fifteen BD managers and Solution Engineers supporting $500M in EMEA revenue
Earlier Career
Key Achievements
Linea L2 zkEVM Launch
Led go-to-market for Linea zkEVM L2 blockchain network to $1.3B in TVL, coordinating technical teams, enterprise partners, and regulatory stakeholders to ensure responsible scaling.
Web3 Security Programme
Built and scaled security infrastructure reducing user harm by 90%, coordinating across 8 security partners to protect users from adversarial attacks — demonstrating commitment to safety-first deployment.
MetaMask Grants DAO
Part of the Leadership committee managing $2.5M in grants issued annually to over 50 recipients, fostering innovation across the Ethereum ecosystem.
Oracle AI Digital Assistant
Launched Oracle's first AI chatbot project with Santander Spain in 2016 and launched Oracle AI Digital Assistant product in 2017, achieving leadership positioning in the 2018 Forrester Wave report.
Talks & Interviews
The Next Frontier of DeFi
Security Considerations in Crypto
Fireside Chat with Dan Reecer
L2 Blockchain Compliance, Security & UX
Larping in the Security Space
Skills & Expertise
Blockchain & Web3
AI & Application Integration
Languages
Education
B.Sc. (Hons) Chemistry — 2.1
University of Durham
1993 — 1996
Volunteering
Charity Fund-raising
World Vision Australia & Médecins Sans Frontières UK
2004 — Present
- Supporting World Vision Australia sponsoring children's education and welfare in Zambia
- Five years of fundraising for MSF UK with £1,500 raised each year
Get in Touch
Interested in discussing partnerships, blockchain infrastructure, or AI ecosystem opportunities? Let's connect.