David Blumental has joined the firm as a partner in the corporate and commercial team and Head of Energy and Infrastructure, Asia, effective 1 May. His appointment further bolsters Simmons’ cross-border M&A capability and marks an important step in the development of the firm’s energy, natural resources and infrastructure practice in the Asia Pacific and Greater China region.
David will be based in the firm’s Hong Kong office and working across the region. He joins from Latham & Watkins where he co-chaired the oil & gas industry group. David brings more than 20 years of experience, with a particular focus on cross-border energy, natural resources and infrastructure transactions and projects spanning traditional energy and infrastructure as well as renewables, emerging technologies and other energy transition and related environment, social and governance (ESG) matters. He has extensive experience representing both Chinese and international clients on cross-border transactions and matters involving Chinese companies and is fluent in Mandarin and Shanghainese.
Commenting on David’s arrival, Jonathan Hammond, Asia regional Head of Simmons & Simmons said: “We are delighted to have David join our team, bringing his wealth of experience in cross-border energy and infrastructure transactions and projects, particularly in the Greater China and Asia Pacific region. His reputation and experience in the region as well as his insight on inbound/outbound investment complements our renowned funds practice.”
Commenting on David’s arrival, Iain Duncan, head of Simmons & Simmons Energy, Natural Resources and Infrastructure Group [in the UK] said: “Asia is a key part of our global energy and infrastructure practice growth plan. David’s extensive knowledge and experience on transactions across the region and acting for Asia-based clients on global transactions will be crucial as we continue to expand and pursue opportunities in this important market during a significant period of transformation.”
On joining Simmons, David commented: “I am very excited to be joining a dynamic and exceptional team at Simmons & Simmons, and to have this unique opportunity working hand-in-hand with my industry co-leads in other regions, and with senior management and other stakeholders to help build the firm’s global energy, natural resources and infrastructure practice and to support the firm’s continued growth in the Greater China region across corporate, finance and other practice areas.”