Baker & McKenzie has appointed Clive Cook, a corporate partner previously based in London, as chairman of the firm's activities in Singapore, and with its member firms in Malaysia and Indonesia.
Cook (pictured) will step into the new post in July after a three year tenure on the firm's management team in London. He has been with Bakers since 1994 and is admitted to practice in Hong Kong, specialising in M&A, securities and climate change.
The firm's Asia-Pacific chairman Poh Lee Tan outlined Cook’s main duties—in continuing to raise the firm’s market position. “His appointment is just one part of our wider ongoing investment in the region which remains strong despite the recent downturn,” said Tan. “We’re a long-term player in Asia, a commitment which is vital for providing clients with the kind of in-depth [service] that newer entrants, and firms with lesser reach, find hard to match.”
Tan added that the appointment was part of the firm's broader development strategy in the region. “Clive’s move is part of an increasing trend to move partners and managers across borders to service the needs of global clients, embed best practices, and bring in fresh perspectives,” she said. “As client needs evolve, so will we. Clive will be instrumental in driving that evolution in South Asia, working to ensure that our offering remains relevant, timely, and cost-effective.
Baker & McKenzie is affiliated with member firms Hadiputranto, Hadinoto & Partners in Jakarta and Wong & Partners in Kuala Lumpur.