Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer’s senior associate Rohit Bhat has been named co-chair of Young International Council for Commercial Arbitration (ICCA).

Bhat's appointment commenced on 3 April, succeeding current co-chair Maria Athanasiou.

He will serve a two-year term as co-chair alongside Maanas Jain and Shirin Gurdova, whose terms end in August 2023 and August 2024 respectively.

He is a part of Freshfields’ international arbitration group based in Singapore. He is also recognised as a Future Leader in Who's Who Legal's global publication and a Rising Star by Legal 500. 

Bhat has significant experience representing clients in complex, high-profile international commercial and Investor-State arbitrations across a wide variety of industry sectors.

He also leads the India Disputes practice of the firm. 

Speaking of his appointment, President of ICCA and retired Freshfields partner, Lucy Reed, said: “On behalf of ICCA, I congratulate and welcome Rohit to the Young ICCA leadership team. I look forward to working with him, alongside co-chairs Maanas Jain and Shirin Gurdova, as they continue to contribute to Young ICCA’s success in opening the doors of international arbitration to young practitioners.”

Freshfields’ head of international arbitration in Asia, Nicholas Lingard said: “I am convinced that Rohit will bring his characteristic energy and intellect to this role, alongside his commitment to opening the doors to careers in international arbitration to a diverse array of young professionals. I am excited to see what Young ICCA achieves during his term.”

Commenting on his new appointment Bhat said, “I am thrilled to be elected the next Young ICCA Co-chair. I look forward to working with the wonderful Young ICCA community to find new and interesting ways to connect with each other and to contribute to conversations that are shaping the arbitration horizon.”  

The full announcement can be found here.