Kathryn Sanger to lead ICC-HK’s arbitration leadership team

The International Chamber of Commerce – Hong Kong, China (ICC-HK) has today announced the appointment of Kathryn Sanger, an international arbitration partner at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, as Chair of its Standing Committee on Arbitration and ADR.

Kathryn succeeds Rory McAlpine of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, who stepped down on 30 September 2026 after seven years leading the committee.

“It is a real honour to take on this role, and I am grateful for the opportunity to build on the strong foundations laid by Rory as outgoing Chair,” said Kathryn.

“Hong Kong has long been one of the world’s leading seats for international arbitration, and the Committee has an important role to play in maintaining that position by developing the next generation of practitioners, and ensuring Hong Kong’s continued contribution to the ICC’s global arbitration agenda.”

Kathryn will be supported by two Vice Chairs: Yvonne Shek, a counsel at Clifford Chance, and Sherlin Tung, a consultant and independent arbitrator at Withers. All three appointments take effect from 1 October 2026.

Kathryn’s ICC-HK appointment follows the appointment of HSF Kramer’s Global CEO Justin D'Agostino as a Vice-Chair of the International Chamber of Commerce In June 2026.

About Kathryn

Kathryn Sanger is a partner at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer in Hong Kong, where she is also Head of Disputes, China and Japan, and Head of Private Capital, Asia.

She has more than 20 years’ experience advising on arbitration and litigation across Asia Pacific, with strengths in private capital, financial services, M&A, energy and China-related matters, supported by her ability to speak and read Mandarin Chinese.

Kathryn sits regularly as an arbitrator, is listed on the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre’s (HKIAC) Panel of Arbitrators, is a member of the Users Council of the Singapore International Arbitration Centre, and has higher rights of audience before the Hong Kong courts.

She was a Council Member of the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC) from 2008 to 2019, chaired its appointments committee from 2013 to 2018, and has served on its rules and proceedings and finance and administration committees.

Kathryn also co-chaired the Hong Kong Law Reform Commission sub-committee on outcome-related fee structures for arbitration and sits on the related Advisory Board responsible for drafting the resulting legislation, as well as the Advisory Body on Third Party Funding of Arbitration and Mediation.

About ICC-HK

The International Chamber of Commerce – Hong Kong, China (ICC-HK) was inaugurated in December 1998 as the Hong Kong national committee of the International Chamber of Commerce. It projects Hong Kong’s business interests internationally and mobilises Hong Kong’s business experience in support of ICC’s global work on policy, international standards and business practice. Its membership comprises leading companies, chambers of commerce and businesses in Hong Kong.

About the ICC

The International Chamber of Commerce is the institutional representative of more than 45 million companies in over 100 countries. Its International Court of Arbitration is the world’s leading institution for international commercial arbitration.