Recently, the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre ("HKIAC") announced the appointment of Domitille Baizeau and Victor Dawes SC as its new Co-Chairs, alongside the appointments of Thomas Walsh and Sun Huawei as Vice-Chairs. The appointments will take effect on July 1, 2026.

 

Domitille Baizeau has over 30 years of experience in dispute resolution, with a practice spanning commercial and investment disputes across sectors including energy, mining, pharmaceuticals, and technology. She is currently a partner at LALIVE in Geneva. Prior to joining LALIVE, she practiced at the century-old New Zealand law firm Lane Neave and later at the Paris office of Freshfields. Victor Dawes SC practiced at Temple Chambers in Hong Kong. His practice focuses on commercial litigation, chancery, and regulatory disputes, among other areas.

 

Thomas Walsh is a partner in the Hong Kong office of Clifford Chance and Co-Head of the firm's Greater China international arbitration group. He has long focused on disputes in the private capital and technology sectors, representing clients across industries including private equity, technology, crypto, pharmaceuticals and life sciences, and aviation. Sun Huawei is a Senior Counsel at Zhong Lun Law Firm, specializing in international commercial and investment treaty disputes. She is particularly experienced in handling complex parallel proceedings involving multiple jurisdictions. Prior to joining Zhong Lun, she practiced at Allen & Overy.

 

The newly appointed Co-Chairs and Vice-Chairs will join the HKIAC Council and work alongside existing members, including Mr. John Choong, partner at Freshfields and Chair of HKIAC's Proceedings Committee, as well as Mr. Friven Yeoh, partner at Skadden and Chair of HKIAC's Finance & Administration Committee.