We’ve learnt that UK firm Herbert Smith has created two new Asian regional management roles by naming managing partners for Greater China and South East Asia.
The Lawyer (UK) reports that Hong Kong corporate partner Andrew Tortoishell has taken on the new Chinese role while the South East Asia post has been filled by Singapore head Austin Sweeney.
The pair, will report to head of Asia Ashley Alder and will initially hold their positions for just over two years. Their terms, which have already begun, will run until April 2011.
The lawyer goes on to say:
Until now the firm’s Asian operations have been run with individual managing partners in each office with Alder in charge of regional management.
A spokesman for the firm said the decision was taken to introduce two further regional roles because the offices within each Asian region had been working so closely together.
He added: "We’re looking to strengthen the ties between the regions."
Alder added: "Cross-office collaboration across our Asia network on client and business development activities is increasing as we build pan-Asian relationships with the firm’s multinational clients. Having in place an appropriate regional management structure will, among other benefits, support this collaboration."
Tortoishell, who has been a Herbert Smith partner since 1994, is responsible for the firm’s strategy in Beijing, Hong Kong and Shanghai. Sweeney, who has been a partner since 2004, is responsible for Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia.
They will work alongside Austin and Tokyo managing partner Steve Lewis.
http://www.thelawyer.com/cgi-bin/item.cgi?id=136192&d=415&h=417&f=416
