Bird & Bird has strengthened its global technology and communications group with the addition of a new partner in Singapore.

Alexander Shepherd has joined the firm from Simmons & Simmons Singapore, where he was a partner in the information, communications and technology practice group, and head of the technology, media and telecommunications sector group in Asia.

Graeme Maguire, Bird & Bird’s international head of technology and communications, said: “Alex will further strengthen our team in Singapore, an increasingly important regional hub for Tech & Comms clients and work.”

In his new role, Shepherd aims to boost the firm’s transactional capabilities in the TMT sector in South East Asia.

Before moving to Singapore in 2013 to build Simmons & Simmons’ office, Shepherd was based in Dubai for seven years focusing on ICT and TMT work, advising on matters across the Middle East and Africa.