Hard-hitting opening batsman Nic Maddinson will don the green of the Melbourne Stars after signing a three-year deal with the KFC Big Bash League club.

Maddinson leaves the Sydney Sixers having played all seven seasons of the BBL there. He is the club's leading run-scorer and played a key role in their BBL|01 win and subsequent Champions League win in South Africa in 2012.

"I have very much enjoyed my time at the Sydney Sixers over the last several years and am very grateful for the opportunities they have given me," Maddinson said.

Whirlwind Maddinson blasts Stars to all parts

"While it was a very difficult decision to leave, I now look forward to taking on new challenges at the Melbourne Stars.

"I have some good friends in the Stars squad and I've heard great things about the culture that Stephen Fleming, the coaching staff and the leadership team has created.

"My focus will be on helping the Melbourne Stars win the BBL."

Magnificent Maddinson feasts on the Stars

Maddinson finished the BBL|07 season with two half-centuries in his final three innings, ironically against Stars.

"Nic has been a consistent performer in the BBL for the past seven seasons and, with the departure of Kevin Pietersen, we knew he would be the perfect fit for our new-look batting line up next season," said Stars batting coach David Hussey.

QUICK SINGLE Adelaide make early statement for BBL|08

"With the MCG as our home ground, we need batters up the top of the order who can hit big, clear those boundaries and really attack the power play, which Nic has proven he can do.

"We look forward to seeing him in action for the Stars next season."