A&O Shearman has appointed Scott Neilson as the new managing partner of its Tokyo office, effective 17 February.
Neilson told Asia Business Law Journal that with the yen at a low, Japan presents an attractive investment landscape, especially as alternative options across Asia become more limited.
“Governance and investment options in Japan are improving, and at the same time Japan’s focus on its energy transition is presenting more investment opportunities,” said Neilson.
Neilson succeeds Matthias Voss, who has led the office since 2017 and is retiring after a 30-year career with the firm.
Masahisa Ikeda will continue to serve as head of the Tokyo office, providing leadership alongside Neilson.
Neilson brings more than two decades of experience in LNG, renewables, infrastructure and energy transition initiatives for global clients. He advised on the USD20 billion Ichthys LNG and the USD5 billion Coral South FLNG developments.
He joined Allen & Overy in 2006 as a partner before the firm’s merger into A&O Shearman. Earlier in his career, he gained experience at Clifford Chance, where he worked as an associate in 2004.
