Baker & McKenzie has appointed its first-ever global head of business development and marketing.

The firm has recruited Laurie Robertson from Clifford Chance, where he has spent the last 10 years, most recently in the role of global head of business development, which he has held since 2007.

On his arrival at Bakers in May, Robertson will relocate to New York from London to run the global function from there. His appointment is part of an effort by the firm to develop a more coherent global marketing strategy for its international network of offices.

Bakers chairman John Conroy (pictured) commented: "Laurie has the background and gravitas to help lead and implement the comprehensive innovations that we are making to our client service model and brand performance around the world.

"At a time when client satisfaction and market differentiation are increasingly critical success factors in the rapidly changing legal market, Laurie's skills, experience and leadership will strengthen our offering and our business development and marketing efforts."

Last year Bakers recruited Julia Hayhoe from Hildebrandt International as director of marketing and business development for the firm's London office.

Bakers' London office also appointed its first-ever general counsel at the end of 2009, with senior associate Jonathan Westwell moving from the firm's IT and telecommunications practice to take up the combined GC and partnership secretary role.