Bird & Bird has recruited Linklaters global head of technology media and telecoms (TMT) and intellectual property (IP) Tim Schwarz.

Schwarz, who is set to join Bird & Bird as a partner in September, will focus on strengthening the top 30 UK law firm's communications group in the Middle East and Africa.

In conjunction with his role at Bird & Bird, Schwarz will also be taking up a part-time position as general counsel of Chinese healthcare company Sinocare Group.

Bird & Bird chief executive David Kerr (pictured) commented: "Tim's experience in the emerging markets will help us strengthen the firm in the Middle East and Africa, as well as boosting our reputation in Central Europe, where we are already known following the opening of  four offices there last year."

Linklaters TMT partner John Crozier – who specialises in outsourcing, commercial and regulatory technology matters – has replaced Schwarz after a three-year stint in the role, as global head of TMT and IP.

Crozier commented: "[Linklaters'] group has enjoyed another strong year, having advised on many of the key TMT deals and IP cases of the year. We have also continued to expand the practice internationally in response to client demand, most recently in Moscow."