Holman Fenwick & Willan's Middle Eastern arm has recruited the former Hong Kong head of rival firm Clyde & Co in a major boost for its insurance and reinsurance practice in the region.

Michael Pilkington will start his new role at Holman Fenwick's Dubai office next week, becoming the fourth partner in the City firm's existing 11-lawyer practice.

Pilkington formerly practised in Dubai with Clydes in the 1990s before relocating to Asia to head up the London firm's Hong Kong arm between 2001 to 2006.

In his new role, he will focus on insurance and reinsurance work, drawing on his background in commercial litigation and arbitration.

In addition to insurance, reinsurance and dispute resolution, Holman Fenwick's Dubai office – which has undergone a period of rapid expansion during the last 12 months – also focuses on shipping and transport, trade and energy and corporate and commercial work.

Last month, the top 40 UK law firm recruited aviation partner David Relf from shipping rival Stephenson Harwood to expand its presence in the Middle East and the Far East (Legal Week, 9 August).

Meanwhile, international shipping and trade law partner Chris Quennell has also relocated to the firm's Dubai arm from Melbourne, while fellow Australian shipping and reinsurance partner Richard Jowett has moved in the opposite direction, swapping Dubai for Melbourne.

Holman Fenwick launched its Dubai office in February last year after absorbing marine insurance specialist Hill Taylor Dickinson's three-partner office in the emirate.

Commenting on his appointment, Pilkington said: "I am very pleased to be joining Holman Fenwick's Dubai office. It is in an area of the world that is booming on the back of massive investments in the United Arab Emirates and the surrounding region."

He added: "A myriad of projects are transforming not only Dubai but the entire region. I am looking forward to returning to Dubai, where I spent three great years earlier in my career."

The 97-partner firm this year posted a 10.9% rise in revenues to hit £68.3m for 2006-07 while average profits per equity partner inched up 6.6% to £436,000.