The Brief:
HFW has hired ship finance partner Simon Petch from Watson Farley & Williams in London.
The move strengthens HFW's non-contentious maritime and finance offering across major shipping centres.
HFW has snapped up veteran ship finance partner Simon Petch, recruiting him from Watson Farley & Williams in London.
The shipping guru brings nearly 30 years' experience advising banks, financiers, owners, operators and maritime industry participants on debt, leasing, securitisation, structured finance, corporate and operational matters.
No doubt he’s a boats guy, with stints across the world's key maritime hubs, including more than three years in Athens and over nine years in Singapore, before returning to London in 2021.
Paul Dean, Global Head of Shipping, said:
"Simon is a well-known and highly respected operator in the ship finance world, with extensive experience across London, Singapore and other key maritime hubs.”
The hire continues HFW's rapid expansion of its global shipping group as it cements its position as the largest maritime practice of any international law firm, with more than 220 specialist shipping lawyers across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific.
Source: HFW