Barlow Lyde & Gilbert has appointed a new managing partner for Hong Kong and China.

The top 50 UK firm has promoted litigation partner David Smyth to the role, replacing Camille Jojo, who has held the position since 1995.

The news comes as Barlows undergoes a period of change in the region. The firm recently relocated London insurance partner John Hanson and aviation partner Mert Hifzi to Singapore.

Barlows also recently appointed its first chief operating officer for Asia after recruiting Lisa Foley from Bestford Hong Kong to fill the role.

Smyth said: "We have been looking at our areas of practice in a structured and focused way so we can increase international integration and develop the full potential of our team in Asia."

Senior partner Simon Konsta said: "We will continue to focus on our Asia investment and the tremendous talent we have in Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Singapore."

Barlows has recently suffered a spate of partner departures in London. In March, a three-partner insurance team joined Clyde & Co, while last week news emerged that corporate chief Keith Snedden had handed in his resignation.

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