Offshore law firm Ogier has named James Bergstrom as managing partner for its Hong Kong office.

Bergstrom, who is relocating to Hong Kong from the Cayman Islands, takes over from Duncan Smith, who is set to retire. Prior to his new role, he was managing partner of Ogier Cayman's legal business for eight years.

"Asia is critical to Ogier's growth strategy and we have already made significant steps in this regard. We have opened an office in Tokyo and we plan to further increase our presence in the region," Nick Kershaw, group chief executive, said in a statement.

Ogier offers British Virgin Islands, Guernsey and Jersey legal and fiduciary services to clients in Asia, including investment funds, corporate and commerical advice, banking and finance, as well as trusts and private wealth.

Bergstrom's appointment takes effect in January 2011.