One of the world's major offshore law firms has named a head of its Hong Kong office.

Offshore law firm Mourant Ozannes has appointed litigation partner Shaun Folpp to be head of its Hong Kong office and establish a contentious restructuring and litigation offering to Asia-based clients. The role has been newly created, the firm later told this publication when asked about the matter.

Folpp, who will be practising BVI and Cayman law, will spearhead the growth of a dedicated litigation practice to support the existing corporate, finance, investment funds and international trust work.

"The growth of the Hong Kong office underpins the importance of the Asia market for Mourant Ozannes, and our commitment in providing a technically excellent, high quality offshore service in Asia," Paul Christopher, Hong Kong managing partner, said.

Folpp joins a team in Hong Kong that has added nine people over the past 12 months, including Claire Fulton as counsel from Hogan Lovells, Paul Trewartha from Morgan Stanley Private Equity, and Jessica Lee from Linklaters.

The firm's BVI office also continues to grow with Eleanor Morgan and Nicholas Fox set to become partners, subject to work permit approval, the firm said in a statement.