Clifford Chance hires Ashurst partner as Tokyo corporate chief

Kitchin, who has been partner at Ashurst for 24 years, will begin his new role as partner next month, joining an existing team of three partners.

Kitchin had previously spent 12 years as managing partner of Ashurst’s Tokyo office between 1990 and 2002, when he returned to London. He was also Asia chief from 1998 to 2002.

Clifford Chance’s previous Tokyo corporate head Paul O’Regan left the magic circle firm at the end of last year.