Reed Smith has named Kyri Evagora as its new managing partner for Asia-Pacific, replacing Denise Jong who has been in the role since January 2018.

Evagora, a commercial dispute resolution specialist, has been with the firm since 1997 and a partner for the past two decades, in that time leading the firm’s global energy and natural resources industry group and vice-chairing its business and finance department. He has also served as head of strategy for Asia-Pacific since the start of the year.

Sandy Thomas, Reed Smith’s global managing partner, said: “This year is our 40th in the region, and we are delighted to have Kyri stepping into the role. I have no doubts he will deliver the quality we have all become accustomed to, ensuring our clients continue to receive the very best possible service.”

Evagora was previously based in the firm’s New York office before moving to Singapore earlier this year. He will also continue to serve on the firm’s executive committee.

Outgoing Asia-Pacific managing partner Jong, who has been a partner at the firm since 1998, will remain co-chair of Reed Smith’s global corporate group and will focus on advising clients on deals and investments in China and South East Asia from her base in Hong Kong.

Thomas added: “Denise’s leadership across the Asia-Pacific region has been of huge value for the firm. We are indebted to her for her guidance, sharp strategy and steadying hand that has led to the continued growth of the firm across our Asian offices.”

The firm has 150 lawyers in Asia, including 42 partners. It has regional offices in Beijing, Hong Kong, Kazakhstan, Singapore and Shanghai.

A number of other firms have been reviewing their presence in certain parts of the region of late, with Eversheds Sutherland earlier this month pulling the plug on its three-year Singapore merger with Harry Elias, and DWF shuttering its Singapore office.

However, other firms are ramping up their presence in the region. Last month London firm Mishcon de Reya opened an office in Singapore, while two of Japan’s big four firms — Anderson Mori & Tomotsune, and Nishimura & Asahi — have recently forged alliances with local firms in Singapore.