06 January 2009

Allen & Overy has announced a new chairman for its Indian operations following the retirement of former head Alex Pease at the end of 2008.

Jonathan Brayne, a projects and structured finance partner who is currently based in London, will take up the role, the firm has revealed.

A new legal job - the position of managing partner - has also been created and will be filled by Andrew Harrow, a capital markets partner currently working in Hong Kong.

Both of the appointments will last for an initial period of two years.

Former chairman Mr Pease, who is to hand over responsibility for Allen & Overy's dealings with Indian firm Trilegal to Mr Brayne, said that he had "thoroughly enjoyed" developing the firm's Indian strategy.

"Working with Trilegal and overseeing the development of our referral relationship has been a real pleasure," he added.

Allen & Overy recently revealed statistics for its operations elsewhere in the world, noting that it is currently the second strongest firm for major mergers and acquisitions in China.