Duo appointed to lead Herbert Smith Freehills global infrastructure team

London partner Gavin Williams and Sydney partner David Ryan have been appointed as joint leads of Herbert Smith Freehills’ global infrastructure team.

With over 200 lawyers, infrastructure is one of the firm’s largest sector teams and advises sponsors, contractors, funds, banks and governments on the development, financing, regulation of and investment in major pieces of infrastructure around the world. The team is known for its ground-breaking advice from the consenting and planning stage, through construction, operation and maintenance to the refinancing and sale assets.

Having joined the firm in 1999, Gavin brings some 20 years’ experience of cross-border transactions and a track record advising on acquisitions, investments and joint ventures across the range of sub-sectors.  He is recognised by clients for “the breadth and depth of his technical expertise”.

A specialist in energy, resources and infrastructure transactions, David has over 20 years’ experience advising clients on project development and M&A transactions and Governments and the private sector on market regulatory reforms and infrastructure asset privatisation programmes.

“Decarbonisation of economies, accelerating digitalisation and mounting geopolitical sensitivities are all reshaping the future of infrastructure investment . With their combined experience throughout the sector, Gavin and David are ideally placed to ensure that we continue to anticipate and respond to the needs of infrastructure clients now and in the longer term. I look forward to seeing them continue to build on the firm foundations of our market leading infrastructure practice,” says Alison Brown, Executive Partner at Herbert Smith Freehills.

Commenting on his appointment, Gavin says: “The transition to a low-carbon global economy, accelerating digitalisation and the focus on infrastructure of post-pandemic recovery funds make this an exciting time to be asked to lead the team with David.”

David adds: “The immediate effects of Covid-19 are still being revealed but its consequences for the way we live and work are likely to drive a reordering of public policy priorities and bring about a significant shift in the future development of infrastructure from core utilities and transmission and distribution networks to transport, digital and social infrastructure. It is a tremendously exciting time to be leading our practice with Gavin and I look forward to the challenges ahead.” 

Gavin and David succeed London-based partner Patrick Mitchell in the role. Ranked by Legal 500 and Chambers as a leading lawyer for rail and infrastructure, Patrick will continue to support and advise clients in the UK and around the world.