Linklaters has appointed a new head of corporate for Asia and relocated another partner to Shanghai in a bid to bolster its presence in the region. London-based Keith Johnson has moved to Hong Kong, where he was previously with the firm in the mid-1990s.

He will take over as Asia head of corporate from Simon Davies, who will continue as managing partner for Asia. Meanwhile, London corporate partner Paul McNicholl, an equity offerings specialist, has transferred to Linklaters’ Shanghai arm.