MAIDSTONE-BASED law firm Whitehead Monckton has appointed Hilary Mundella as chief executive. She will be responsible for the firm's operational functions and the development and implementation of its business strategy.

Hilary was previously chief executive at Hardwicke Buildings, London's largest set of barristers' chambers, and City law firm Berwin Leighton Paisner.

She was elected chairman of the Legal Practice Management Association in 2001. Hilary said she would build on the progress made in recent years by Whitehead Monckton, which has offices in King Street, Maidstone, and Tenterden. The firm has 14 partners and 70 staff.