Hunton & Williams Appoints Finance Partner Stuart Hills Bolstering Global Energy Practice

LONDON – 12 January 2015 – Hunton & Williams continues to grow its global energy practice with the addition of finance partner Stuart Hills to its energy and infrastructure practice in London. Joining from Fasken Martineau, Stuart’s practice will focus on banking and finance, primarily project finance and acquisition finance, across Africa and Eastern Europe, representing corporate clients, financial institutions and private equity sponsors.

“I am really pleased to join such a successful and well-respected team at Hunton & Williams. The energy and infrastructure sector in Africa and Eastern Europe is growing rapidly providing lots of opportunities. I look forward to working with the global team to continue growing and strengthening the team, and our offering”, commented Stuart.

Over the course of his career, Stuart has advised oil and gas companies, mining and metal companies, publicly listed companies and investors across issues covering acquisitions, developments, company sales and financing projects. His experience covers syndicated loans, leveraged finance, restructurings, project and infrastructure finance, and acquisition finance.

London energy partner, Ryan Ketchum, added: “As foreign-sourced private sector investments into Africa approach the $100 billion per year mark, an ever-increasing number of companies are recognizing the significance of the investment opportunities in these markets. Stuart’s extensive experience in debt and equity finance in West Africa and other emerging markets makes him a perfect fit for the team. We are delighted to have him join us.”

Stuart’s appointment is the second hire in three months for the London energy and infrastructure practice. Project finance partner, Andrew Thomas – also from Fasken Martineau – joined in October 2014, as part of a planned expansion of the global energy and infrastructure practice.

“Together, Stuart and Andrew bring a wealth of experience to the firm, further enhancing our global credentials in complex infrastructure projects”, said Bridget Treacy<http://www.hunton.com/bridget_treacy/>, London office managing partner. “Stuart and Andrew will play a key role in growing our global infrastructure practice, and we are delighted to have them join us.”

The Hunton & Williams global energy practice includes more than 100 lawyers, solely dedicated to energy and infrastructure matters across the globe. Current representative transactions include acting for the Croatian state utility Hrvatska Elektroprivreda in connection with the development and construction of a 500 MW coal-fired power plant in Plomin and representing the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc in connection with the development of multiple IPP projects in Nigeria.

About Hunton & Williams
Since its establishment more than a century ago, Hunton & Williams has grown to 800 lawyers serving clients from 19 offices worldwide. With an industry focus on energy, financial services, consumer products and retail, and real estate, the firm’s global experience extends to myriad legal disciplines, including commercial litigation, corporate transactions and securities law, intellectual property, international and government relations, regulatory law, privacy and cybersecurity, and products liability. For additional information visit www.hunton.com<http://www.hunton.com> and follow us on Twitter<https://twitter.com/Hunton_Williams>, LinkedIn<http://www.linkedin.com/company/7494?trk=tyah>, and YouTube.

Hunton & Williams-London is a multinational partnership regulated by the Law Society of England and Wales.