Allen & Overy appoints Kfir Abutbul to Lead US Energy Private Equity Arm

Allen & Overy appoints Kfir Abutbul to Lead US Energy Private Equity Arm

Allen & Overy has appointed Kfir Abutbul from Paul Hastings to spearhead its energy private equity operations in the United States.

Assuming the role of a partner at the firm's Houston office, Abutbul brings nearly 15 years of expertise to Allen & Overy, having advised private equity sponsors, investors, and credit funds on deals spanning domestic and international boundaries.

Abutbul’s proficiency extends across energy transition, renewable energy, power generation, and infrastructure sectors. Notably, he held the position of Vice Chair within Paul Hastings' energy and infrastructure practice, as well as serving as Chair of its energy transition team.

“The addition of Kfir is an opportunity to continue the expansion of our US private equity and M&A practice with a talented partner who further strengthens our market-leading energy transition expertise in the US,” Bill Schwitter, chair of Allen & Overy’s US corporate practice, said.

Abutbul's tenure at Paul Hastings amounted to nearly five years, following his roles as a partner at both Willkie Farr & Gallagher and Kirkland & Ellis in Houston. His legal journey commenced as an associate at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, followed by positions at Friedman Kaplan Seiler & Adelman, and his initial stint at Willkie in New York.

Kent Rowey, Allen & Overy’s US co-chair and a member of its projects, energy, natural resources and infrastructure practice, said Kfir Abutbul embodies A&O’s entrepreneurial and collaborative culture.

According to Kent Rowey, who serves as the US co-chair at Allen & Overy and is a member of its projects, energy, natural resources, and infrastructure practice, Kfir Abutbul truly encapsulates the entrepreneurial and collaborative essence of A&O's culture.

“His expertise intersects our firm’s priority areas of sustainability and private capital. Kfir is a key step in continuing our strategic US growth to better serve our global client base,” Rowey stated.