Mr Wright joins from Norton Rose Fulbright where he has been a partner based in Singapore since 2011. He has two decades of experience in Southeast Asia and has advised clients across the oil and gas, petrochemicals, mining and minerals and power sectors in Asia, Angola, India, Iran, Russia and the US.

Steve Potter joins the firm as partner from Jones Day's Singapore office, where he has been of counsel since 2013. Advising on M&A, joint ventures, industry contracts and resources-related regulation, he specialises in the oil and gas, petrochemicals and mining sectors and has advised clients including Pertamina, Kuwait Petroleum Corporation, Total, ENGIE and Keppel Corporation.

Building global energy capabilities

Head of energy at Pinsent Masons, Bob Ruddiman, commented: ‘As the firm looks to enhance its global energy capabilities, Asia represents a significant opportunity for the oil and gas industry. Singapore is a valuable hub for international O&G businesses seeking to access Southeast Asian jurisdictions. Boosting our capabilities on the ground will be transformational for our global client base exploring opportunities across Asia.’

Expanding in Asia

Pinsent Masons has had a presence in Asia since the launch of its Hong Kong office in 1983. It has since opened offices in Beijing and Shanghai and formed the joint law venture Pinsent Masons MPillay in 2010.