Withers has hired David Mallinson as a corporate partner in its hotels and hospitality practice in Hong Kong from Mayer Brown JSM.
Mallinson’s practice focuses on advising hotel operators and investors in the Asian market on commercial agreements including joint venture and shareholder agreements, development agreements and management, franchise and ancillary agreements.
Prior to Mayer Brown JSM, Mallinson worked with Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Le Méridien Hotels and Resorts and World Sport Group.
Withers established its hotels and hospitality practice with the hire of Robert Williams, Justin Gross and their team from Australian firm Ryan Lawyers in March this year.
Since the practice group's launch, Withers has advised Marriott International on a deal to establish its first JW Marriott and Edition hotels in Singapore, Pro-invest Group on a A$300 million ($228 million) capital raise for its inaugural Australian hotel fund, and SilverNeedle Hospitality Group on a three-hotel lease deal with the Queensland Investment Corporation.
