Global architect and planning firm Gensler has appointed Madeleine Hilton managing director of its Birmingham branch.

Hilton will lead a team of 50 specialists in the built environment, using more than 20 years’ experience of working in Birmingham to drive the growth of the business in the city and across the Midlands.

Gensler said Hilton's expertise spans education, industrial and logistics, transportation, residential and commercial sectors. She first joined the firm two years ago and was previously an equity partner at D5 Architects.

She replaces Tariq Shaikh, who has led the Gensler Birmingham office for the past seven years, and becomes co-managing director of the company's Middle East offices from next month.

Hilton is described as "passionate about education and empowering the next generation of architects and designers", having previously held professional examiner roles at Birmingham City University and London Southbank.

Duncan Swinhoe, Gensler's managing principal for Europe, said in a statement: "As a proven leader, innovator and role model, we look forward to the contributions Madeleine will continue to make in this exciting new role, driving the growth of the business and having a positive impact in Birmingham, across the UK and beyond."

The firm celebrates its 10-year anniversary in Birmingham this year, while its London team has been appointed by Aviva and mixed-use developer Socius to lead the design of their £1 billion cancer research and treatment hub in Sutton, south London.