Herbert Smith appoints Mark Johnson as new head of Asia

As head of Asia, Johnson will chair the firm's Asia Executive Committee and take a lead role in the development and implementation of the firm's Asia strategy.

Herbert Smith announced that Mark Johnson, head of its disputes practice in Asia and a member of the firm's governance board, will become the firm's new head of Asia when Ashley Alder leaves to assume the role of CEO of Hong Kong's Securities and Futures Commission on 1 October.

A partner since 1993, Mark is widely regarded as one of Hong Kong's leading disputes practitioners. He has been based in Hong Kong since 1987, having joined the firm as a trainee in 1984. He has conducted a wide range of civil, regulatory and white-collar crime matters, and will retain his fee earning and client development responsibilities. Mark is particularly experienced in respect of contentious issues involving publicly listed companies and securities.

As head of Asia, Mark will chair the firm's Asia Executive Committee and take a lead role in the development and implementation of the firm's Asia strategy. The managing partners of the firm's Greater China, Tokyo and South East Asia practices, also members of the AEC, will report to him.

Herbert Smith's Senior Partner, Jonathan Scott, commented:

"We are very pleased to have someone of Mark's calibre step into this critical leadership role. He is a well-respected figure not just in the Hong Kong business community but across Asia, and will bring to the post strong management experience, good judgement and a deep understanding of the region."