Former Hunton & Williams partner Jonathan Simpson has taken up a new role as CEO of Hong Kong-based Standard Oil International.

Simpson informed The Am Law Daily of his move after leaving Hunton's London office last week.

In a statement, Hunton confirmed that Simpson had left the firm, while offering few details about what prompted him to leave.

"Effective 23 February 2012, Jonathan Simpson is no longer with Hunton & Williams," said the statement. "Moving forward, his matters will be handled by other members of the firm's energy and infrastructure practice. As always, we are committed to providing our clients with world-class service."

Simpson, the former head of Paul Hastings' European projects practice, left the US firm last February to join Hunton's London office.

He joined Paul Hastings in January 2007 from Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP), where he headed that firm's international projects practice. BLP had recruited Simpson from legacy Dewey Ballantine in October 2005. He is also a former associate at both Allen & Overy and Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom.

Hunton's London office has seen a number of departures over the last year, with the firm making nine job cuts following a raft of partner exits which saw lawyer headcount in the US firm's City base shrink by over 60% in a three-month period.

The office is now will primarily focusing on data protection work as well as banking and finance.