Management shake-up at Edge Ellison

Hayward's new role is understood to be predominantly administrative and he will remain as head of Edge Ellison's London operation.

Ramshaw's consultancy will provide clients with management skills training such as developing market strategy, as well as practical skills such as speed reading.

Ramshaw and senior partner James Retallack were the driving force behind the firm's radical management restructure, The Way Forward, launched in 1998 after merger talks between the firm and Pinsent Curtis collapsed.

It is known that Edge Ellison has been constantly reviewing its structure since, but Ramshaw's departure is sure to cause a stir, coming less than two years after he became managing partner-elect .