Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) London-based India litigation head Nick Peacock, who had been with the firm for more than 20 years, has joined Bird & Bird and will head up its international arbitration team from London.

“I shall retain my interest and focus on India,” he said, as one of HSF’s more regular visitors to India.

Peacock specialises in international dispute resolution with a particular focus on the tech and communications, financial services and energy and utilities sectors.

He had been partner at HSF since 2007, and had been head of its Singapore international arbitration practice before becoming India disputes head (he also co-chaired the firm’s Nordic group, focusing on Northern Europe).

HSF India head Chris Parsons confirmed Peacock’s move, saying: “Yes, great opportunity for Nick to head an arbitration group.

“Andrew Cannon will take over as head of India disputes - he is deputy head of our arbitration practice globally and will work alongside Paula Hodges QC global head of our arbitration practice and will become much more active in India.”