Allen & Overy announced the appointment of Kfir Abutbul as the new head of its US energy private equity group as part of the firm’s ongoing expansion efforts in the nation. Abutbul joins from Paul Hastings, where he served as partner and chair of the firm’s energy transition team, and formerly the vice chair of its energy and infrastructure practice. In this new position, Abutbul will become part of Allen & Overy’s US corporate private equity and M&A practice. He is well-positioned for the role, bringing with him a strong background in domestic and cross-border private equity deals, especially in the energy transition, renewables, power and infrastructure sectors. Abutbul’s notable clients include Guggenheim Partners, Sandbrook Capital, Oak Hill Advisors and Morgan Stanley Private Credit. He has also expressed excitement about the ongoing innovation, technological advancements, and fresh ideas emerging as part of efforts to combat climate change and achieve global net-zero, observing what he describes as “very intense growth” in this sector. Abutbul will be based primarily in New York, a city where he has significant past experience. He also boasts experience of having practiced in Houston, though Allen & Overy does not currently maintain a presence there. Allen & Overy Taps New Head of US Energy Private Equity Team White & Case hired Wilfred Ho as a disputes lawyer in Hong Kong. Ho, who joins from Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, is the US-based firm’s first partner hire in Asia this year. With his new appointment, Ho brings to White & Case nearly 15 years’ worth of experience representing companies and private equity funds on commercial litigation before Hong Kong courts and arbitration panels. He also has expertise working in the Greater China market, particularly on shareholder disputes, insolvency and restructuring matters and intellectual property disputes. Donald Baker, global executive member at White & Case, lauded Ho’s arrival: “Wilfred's arrival demonstrates our continued commitment to Asia-Pacific and ensuring we are our best placed to meet current and future client demand there.” Ho is White & Case’s first partner hire in Hong Kong since 2021 and brings the number of partners at the firm’s Hong Kong office to 15. White & Case Strengthens Hong Kong Disputes Practice New York, USA Allen & Overy Hong Kong White & Case LAWYER MOVES 11
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