Ex-TTA Partner, Narayan Iyer replaces Sandeep Katwala as Linklaters’ India Practice head; Says India riding on wave of optimism

Narayan Iyer, who rejoined Linklaters LLP in August 2013 after spending almost four years at Talwar Thakore & Associates, has been appointed as the head of firm’s India Practice. Iyer succeeds Sandeep Katwala, who founded the firm’s India practice 10 years ago..Iyer is based in London and focuses on acquisition and structured financings and Indian inbound and outbound transactions..Iyer commented, “I’m excited to lead the team forward, building on the pivotal role that Sandeep has played since the group’s inception.”.He added, “India is riding on a wave of optimism following Mr Modi’s election last year. If the new government’s programme of reform continues over the coming years, we will see India become an even more attractive market.”.Iyer, who graduated with an LL.B from the London School of Economics in 1995, began working as a Trainee Solicitor in Linklaters London the following year. He was a founding member of the firm’s India practice and was made a partner in 2007..Iyer later in 2009 left Linklaters to join TT&A, Linklater’s best-friend firm in India along with Kunal Thakore..Speaking to Bar & Bench, TT&A Partner Feroz Dubash, said,.“We are obviously delighted with Narayan’s appointment having worked with him from the creation of the India practice at Linklaters including during his time as a partner at TT&A. Sandeep has done a fantastic job of developing the India practice from its inception and we look forward to working with Narayan in continuing to offer clients the highest level of service.”.Simon Davies, Linklaters’ firmwide managing partner in the release said, “With his offshore and on-the ground experience at a time of renewed interest in India amongst our clients, Narayan is uniquely placed to head our market-leading practice.”.Some of the more recent India-related deals that Linklaters has advised on include Suzlon Energy’s bond restructuring, and BR Shetty’s acquisition of Travelex Group