Asia, London, Madrid – LAWFUEL – The Law Newswire – DLA Piper today announces that Nick Seddon will step down from his position as Managing Director of Asia after more than four years in the role. Alastair Da Costa, current EMEA Head of Corporate, will take over from Nick with effect from 1 January 2008.
Under Nick’s leadership, DLA Piper’s practice in Asia has expanded significantly, growing from 150 people in four offices to a practice with more than 400 staff in Beijing, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Singapore, Shanghai and Tokyo. Over the coming months, Nick will work closely with Alastair to ensure an effective handover. Alastair has substantial management experience running the Corporate group and his relocation to Asia reflects DLA Piper’s commitment to building a successful presence in the region.
“I would like to thank Nick for his valuable contribution, which has seen a transformational change in our Asian business,” said Nigel Knowles, Joint CEO of DLA Piper. “Building on the platform that we have already created with our six offices in Asia is a key priority for us and I am delighted that Alastair has agreed to take on the role of Managing Director. I have every confidence that the management team, partners and staff will continue to grow and develop under Alastair’s leadership.
DLA Piper also announces that Juan Picon, currently Regional Managing Partner of its Spanish practice, will succeed Alastair as EMEA Head of Corporate. Javier Lopez Anton, Head of Finance & Projects in the Madrid office, will succeed Juan Picon as Regional Managing Partner for Spain. Both appointments will be effective from 1 January 2008.
Andrew Darwin, Managing Director for Europe at DLA Piper, said:
“Corporate is a key practice area for us and I am confident that, under Juan Picon’s leadership, the group will continue to progress in the way that it has done under Alastair. Juan has excellent credentials for this role and inherits a great team across the EMEA region. I am also delighted that Javier will take on the role of Regional Managing Partner for Spain. He is one of Spain’s leading finance lawyers and has tremendous knowledge of the market.”
Nick Seddon will continue as a partner at DLA Piper until May 2008 and will then go on to pursue opportunities outside the firm.
Alastair Da Costa
Alastair is a corporate lawyer specialising in corporate finance and M&A who has been with the firm since 1992. He was made partner in 1995 and went on to become head of the UK corporate practice group in 2003 and EMEA/Joint Global Head of Corporate in 2005. Alastair, who was formerly based in Leeds, sat on the advisory board of Leeds University Business School. He has also been a UK and global board member at DLA Piper.
Juan Picon
Juan is a mergers and acquisitions lawyer with a special focus on cross-border transactions and represents multinational clients doing business in Spain. He is also regularly involved in private equity transactions (LBOs, MBOs and other corporate structures). In January 2006 Juan became the Regional Managing Partner of DLA Piper’s Spanish practice when he joined the firm as part of the 25-strong lawyer team from Squire, Sanders & Dempsey; where he was also Managing Partner. Juan is a member of the board of directors of the Spanish Association of Telecommunications Law and a member of the Madrid Bar Association.
