Ashurst builds project finance capability with new partner hire in Melbourne

Chris joins from the Dubai office of Herbert Smith Freehills, where he has been a partner since May 2016. He was previously a highly regarded senior associate in HSF's successful Melbourne-based project finance team and most recently established a hard-won track record as a partner in the Middle East, advising clients on new greenfield developments, refinancing, private public partnerships, acquisitions and privatisation in sectors including power and water, renewables, real estate, oil and gas, transport and social infrastructure.

Angus Foley, Practice Group Head, APAC, Transport & Infrastructure commented:

"Chris has extensive experience in limited recourse financing and he will play a key role in developing Ashurst's project finance team in Melbourne. His breadth of project finance experience, sector knowledge, reputation and network in Australia and the Middle East will be a valuable addition to our Infrastructure and Energy practice. Chris' appointment reflects Ashurst's commitment to investing in our market-leading offering and providing a high level of specialisation for our clients in Australia and abroad."


Melbourne office managing partner, Ross McClymont added:

"We are delighted to welcome Chris to the Ashurst team. His arrival from Dubai will significantly boost our ability to lead and execute project finance transactions in Melbourne and will strengthen our capacity to deliver high quality legal services for a growing number of international clients. Chris' experience advising clients in the Middle East will be a significant asset. His appointment marks an important step towards enhancing our first class project finance capabilities and the depth of sector expertise within our Infrastructure and Energy practice in Melbourne."

Chris said:

"I am excited to be joining Ashurst's project finance team in Melbourne and look forward to leveraging my international experience in the Middle East to help grow the practice in Australia. Ashurst has a high quality Infrastructure and Energy client base and I am delighted to be joining the partnership."