King & Wood Mallesons (KWM) appointed Mr. Xiao Yong to lead its China Energy & Resources practice, and welcomed International Partner Nicholas Molan (Corporate) and Partner Shen Guoyong (Dispute Resolution), as well as three new counsels Ma Sasa, Jin Feng and Li Zheng. Their practices cover corporate M&A, energy & resources, criminal litigation, compliance, capital markets and intellectual property. These additions will bolster KWM's influence and practices in depth and breadth as we continue to grow in the regional markets.
Xiao Yong, Head of Energy & Resources practice, China
Mr. Xiao specialises in corporate M&A, especially in industries such as energy and natural resources, mining, oil and natural gas, and new energy. With extensive expertise and experience in the international market, he regularly counsels large SOEs, central and private enterprises, and funds on a broad array of energy matters and multinational companies on China-related issues. Mr. Xiao formerly worked in law firms such as Dechert LLP, Vinson & Elkins LLP, and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP. He has joined KWM Hong Kong office on 1 November.
Nicholas Molan, International Partner (KWM China)
Mr. Molan has strong expertise and experience in energy investment and M&A, asset sales, international project contracting, natural gas and other commodity trading, and renewable energy. Over the past decade, he has been working in Hong Kong and Beijing, advising large Chinese enterprises on their strategic investments and M&A deals in the energy and infrastructure sectors. He has extensive experience in cross-border transactions and deeply understands the cultural differences between China and the West and the needs of Chinese clients. Mr. Molan is admitted to practise law in England, Hong Kong and various other jurisdictions. He has joined KWM Hong Kong office on 1 November.
"I have been cooperating with KWM for more than 20 years. It's a great honor to join the firm that is so familiar to me," said Mr. Xiao. "I am looking forward to working with Molan on KWM's global platform to help expand the firm's client base and practices. By joining hands with other teams, we seek to further grow our business riding on a wave of China's economic upgrading and globalisation."
"Welcome Mr. Xiao and Mr. Molan to our team," said Xu Ping, Head of Corporate Group. "Cross-border investment in the energy and resources sectors declined in the last two years due to the pandemic and the complex international landscape. Energy security, however, remains a significant national strategy. And the energy and resources sectors still have strong demand for high-quality legal services in the areas of investment, asset restructuring, compliance and dispute resolution. The new energy sector is also booming. Mr. Xiao has leading expertise in both domestic and international energy & resources markets. His significant experience and international insight will be an excellent addition to the team to help reinforce our leading edge and expand our practice. Mr. Xiao and Mr. Molan will work at Hong Kong office temporarily to better integrate KWM's global teams and serve our domestic and overseas clients."
Shen Guoyong, Partner, Dispute Resolution, Shanghai/Hangzhou
Mr. Shen specialises in criminal defense, criminal accusation, criminal risk prevention and criminal-civil dispute resolution. He has over 20 years of experience in the local legal service market and extensive expertise in criminal and litigation services. Prior to joining KWM, he was the deputy director of a well-known law firm in China and the director of its Committee of Criminal Practice. Mr. Shen has recently joined KWM Shanghai/Hangzhou office.
Ma Sasa, Jin Feng and Li Zheng have also joined Compliance & Regulatory Group, Hangzhou, Corporate Group, Shenzhen, and Intellectual Property Group, Shanghai, respectively.
Commenting on the additions, Wang Ling, KWM China Managing Partner, said, "Welcome Mr. Xiao Yong, Mr. Molan, Mr. Shen, Ma Sasa, Jin Feng and Li Zheng onboard! Despite continued impact of the pandemic on global economy, the energy sector is in a strong strategic position with the new energy market in rapid development. In response to the trend, we have strengthened our capacity in this field to better serve our clients."
