Ashurst has appointed two new managing partners in Asia to head the firm's Tokyo and Hong Kong offices.

Corporate partner Lina Lee has been appointed by Ashurst's board as managing partner of its Hong Kong base, and corporate and projects partner Rupert Burrows has been selected as managing partner of Tokyo.

Both appointments are for a three-year term. 

Lee specialises in equity capital markets, particularly initial and secondary public offerings, and public and private M&A. Her practice also includes advising investment banks and corporate clients mainly within the Greater China region.

She is replacing Robert Ogilvy Watson, who has rejoined Ashurst's London corporate M&A practice after his term as office managing partner in Hong Kong  ended on 1 May. Watson, who is a member of the firm's board, will continue to work with Asia-based clients.

Burrows specialises in overseas infrastructure projects in the electricity, oil and gas, chemicals and transport sectors, as well as corporate M&A deals.

He replaces project finance partner John McClenahan, whose term also ended on 1 May but who is staying as a partner with the firm in Japan.

Ashurst managing partner James Collis said: "Lina has excellent leadership skills and she will play a critical strategic role in driving forward the future growth and development of our Hong Kong office.

"Rupert is widely acknowledged as one of the leaders in his field and has played a key role in the ongoing success of the Tokyo office over the years."