Baker & McKenzie. Wong & Leow has hired a new local principal in Singapore to strengthen its finance and projects practice in India-related transactions.

Prashanth Venkatesh joins the firm from Amarchand & Mangaldas & Suresh A Shroff & Co, which has now split up in India where he was a partner in the financing group.

Andy Leck, managing principal, said of the hire: “Our team is regularly sought out by both Indian companies venturing overseas and multinationals making inbound investments into India. Prashanth's solid track record in India-related deals will reinforce our strengths in supporting clients at a time when India is experiencing an exciting growth story.”

Venkatesh has significant experience in India-related financing transactions, having assisted sponsors to negotiate leveraged exposure with Indian banks and financial institutions, as well as advising on the financing of road, port and renewable energy projects.

Baker & McKenzie’s member firms in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore have appointed Timur Sukirno as their new chairman. Also, Erwandi Hendarta was appointed as the firm's managing partner in Indonesia.