Eversheds Sutherland maintains growth with partner promotion in Hong Kong

Eversheds Sutherland has announced 38 partner promotions across its global network. A total of 16 of these promotions are female which is in line with its goal to achieve 30% female representation at partner level by 2021. 

In Asia, we are pleased to announce that Rod Lai has been promoted to partner. Rod, who is based in Hong Kong, is a member of the corporate team. His promotion reflects the growth of our international M&A and private equity practice in recent years and the firm’s commitment to investing in Asia.

Rod regularly advises sponsors, founders and management teams on private equity and venture capital backed transactions. He also acts for clients on cross-border M&A deals across a broad range of industries including a number of the firm’s priority sectors, such as financial services, diversified industrials, consumer, infrastructure and TMT. 

Over the past few years, Rod has worked on some of the most complex and prominent transactions in Hong Kong and Asia Pacific. This includes his role as a key member of the team advising HNA Group on its disposal of Hong Kong Express Airways to Cathay Pacific Airways for HK$4.93 billion (US$628 million). He also recently acted for long-standing client, Baird Capital, on its acquisition of Vega Global Limited, one of the largest audio-visual systems integrators in Asia.

Stephen Kitts, Managing Partner Asia, commented:

"Rod’s promotion is good news for the Hong Kong office and for our Asia business more generally. Eversheds Sutherland is committed to investing in great people who are doing great things for our clients. Rod’s promotion is a clear demonstration of our determination to make a mark in the region and to build on our successes.”

Charles Butcher, Head of M&A, Asia, added:

“I congratulate Rod on his promotion, which is thoroughly deserved and a fantastic development for our M&A team. He is, of course, an excellent technical lawyer. Importantly, Rod is also a good leader and strategic thinker who has nurtured strong relationships with a number of our important clients. As our team continues to grow, Rod’s skills, experience and leadership abilities will make an important contribution to the success of the team in Hong Kong and across Asia.”

Rod’s promotion takes effect from 1 May, 2020.