Linklaters has named a new Asia managing partner. Zili Shao, presently the Shanghai-based head of the magic circle law firm's China practice will relocate to Hong Kong to take on the regional role, effective as of 1 May. As Asia managing partner, Shao will join Linklaters' executive committee.

Shao is succeeding Giles White, who is leaving the firm at the end of the month to become group general counsel for Jardine Matheson, the Hong Kong conglomerate and longtime Linklaters client.

Shao (pictured) joined Linklaters as a partner in 1998, launching the firm's Shanghai arm the same year. He also spearheaded the firm's opening in Beijing in 2001. Before joining Linklaters, Shao was a partner in Hong Kong and Sydney for Allen Allen & Hemsley, one of the predecessor firms to Allens Arthur Robinson.

Regarded as one of the top deal lawyers in China, Shao's practice is focused on M&A and private equity investments, particularly those involving financial institutions. He led the firm's representations of Citigroup in its 2006 equity investment in Guangdong Development Bank and, that same year, The Carlyle Group in its acquisition of a stake in China Pacific Life Insurance.

"Zili is one of the most influential lawyers in China," said Linklaters managing partner Simon Davies. "Not only is he an outstanding lawyer, he also has significant management experience, having led our China practice for more than ten years. He will be a powerful asset to our leadership team. I am confident that he will lead the firm to even greater success across Asia."

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