AG has announced the hire of Ben Middleton as its new Director of Business Development & Communications, joining from KPMG.

As Sales and Business Development Director within KPMG UK’s National Markets Business, Ben’s focus has been on helping the firm through structured sales, client development and account /management strategies. Since 2011, Ben has led a number of FTSE, AIM, Private Equity and Private Capital business relationships on behalf of KPMG, across a number of different industry sectors.

With over 20 years' experience, Ben has developed and implemented UK wide Client Partner and Director Development programmes aimed at building and enhancing commercial relationships and has run a number of sales workshops for firms across the city.

Axel Koelsch, Chief Operating Officer at Addleshaw Goddard stated: "At AG we strive to hire ambitious and talented individuals from different sectors to continually challenge and evolve our thinking. Ben has personally conducted sales and led client relationships in professional services outside of law and previously built his own business. His proven skills, entrepreneurial drive and client insight will support our sales activity and beyond that the broader development of our market-leading offering for clients.

"I am delighted to welcome Ben to AG, he inherits a strong and successful BD & Communications team, and I firmly believe his knowledge and ability to turn relationships into revenue means he is perfectly placed to aid the firm with its ongoing strategic aims."

Ben joins AG in April and will lead the 40 strong Business Development, Marketing and Communications teams spread across the firm's regional, national and international offices.

Ben, concluded: "The opportunity to work with AG is very exciting and I am looking forward to joining an already thriving BD and communications team.

AG has a strong brand and reputation in the market for providing the highest quality legal services, and I am excited about working with the partners, directors and the whole organisation to help drive growth and revenue."