Both Mr Wang and Mr Foo will become co-managing partners of the Clifford Chance China practice in May. They replace outgoing China managing partner Stephen Herder, who leaves after having held the position for 14 years.

Mr Schneider has been appointed as Singapore managing partner effective 1 June. His promotion follows the departure of Geraint Hughes (pictured below), who will be relocating to Hong Kong to take up a new role as regional managing partner for Clifford Chance.

Meanwhile, Anthony Wang and Nicholas Wong have been announced to jointly head the Clifford Chance Asia Pacific finance practice. They will succeed Mark Hyde in May. Mr Hyde has held the role for three years and will also relocate to Hong Kong to focus on the firm’s restructuring and insolvency practice.

Nish Shetty will take on the role of Asia Pacific head of litigation and dispute resolution in August. He replaces Matthew Newick who will continue to support the practice in Hong Kong until the end of 2016.

Clifford Chance global managing partner Matthew Layton said he was excited to welcome the “outstanding group of new leaders” and “proud to have so many remarkable professionals in the region”.

“Asia Pacific is more important than ever to our clients. Every one of these new leaders shares a common quality; they are each expressly focused on the needs of our clients, and committed to staying close to the issues that influence business success,” Mr Layton said.

"I congratulate Stephen on a long and distinguished career at Clifford Chance and thank him for his dedication and contribution,” he added.

“I'd also like to thank Mark and Matthew for their outstanding leadership."