Ashurst star quits to become GE legal chief in Germany

Ashurst rising star Andreas Hoffmann has resigned after just over a year with the firm to become GE’s first general counsel in Germany.

His departure, which was announced internally at Ashurst on Wednesday, will leave the UK firm with one corporate partner in Munich, Joerg Kirchner.

The move heralds a push by finance giant GE to ramp its senior legal capability in the commercial finance arena. GE currently uses a variety of external advisers in Germany, including Clifford Chance, Baker & McKenzie and Ashurst.

Hoffmann said: "It’s likely that we will reorganise the management of external lawyers."

Ashurst managing partner in Germany Simon Beddow said: "It’s a fantastic opportunity for Andreas to go and work with one of our good clients. We thank him for all his help in contributing to the growth of the Munich office and wish him all the best for the future."