Linklaters has appointed new practice heads for its India and Africa groups to succeed Sandeep Katwala, who currently oversees both regions but is stepping down.

London-based finance partner Narayan Iyer has been selected as the new leader for India, while projects partner Andrew Jones, also based in London, will now oversee Africa.

In a statement, Linklaters said the appointments came at a time of renewed interest in India and as the firm was looking to build its presence in Africa.

Iyer was promoted to partner at Linklaters in 2007, but left the firm two years later to join India Talwar Thakore & Associates, which Linklaters already had close ties with.

He re-joined the magic circle outfit in 2013. Working in London he focused on acquisition and structured financing work as well as Indian inbound and outbound transactions.

New Africa head Jones has been a partner in Linklaters' projects group for more than 10 years, advising on developments, acquisitions and financing of project assets in the mining, infrastructure and energy and natural resources sectors.

He has a particular focus on emerging markets, with two decades spent covering Africa, Latin America and Eastern Europe.

Jones and Iyer will replace Katwala who is stepping down from the role to return to doing more client-facing work.

Katwala was the founding partner of the India practice, leading the team for 10 years in addition to his role as managing partner of the emerging Europe, Middle East and Africa practices.

Specialising in corporate finance, Abu Dhabi-based Katwala advised a large number of high profile companies on their investments into emerging markets.

Linklaters has previously stated it plans to enhance its Africa practice following its alliance with Webber Wenzel in 2013, which it says has generated around 230 referrals between the two firms and made it one of the most active law firms in African M&A in 2014.

It says it currently has approximately 200 live matters across 30 African countries, and is looking to develop additional relationships with other local outfits across the continent.