Squire Patton Boggs has hired a team of six senior lawyers to expand its global data privacy, cybersecurity and digital assets practice as regulators worldwide step up their laws around data protection and the digital economy.

The team includes new UK head David Naylor, who joins the firm’s London office from Wiggin, where he was also head of its data privacy, information law and cybersecurity team. Previously Naylor enjoyed stints as a partner at Fieldfisher and Morrison & Foerster.

He’s joined in London by partner Malcolm Dowden, who arrives from Womble Bond Dickinson, and George Wheeler-Carmichael, who joins as a consultant from IT and business services company Agilisys, where he was general counsel.

The firm has also hired Bartolomé Martín in Madrid, who joins as a partner from KPMG. It has also hired David Overly and Christian Brundell, who join as senior associates in Cincinnati and Leeds respectively.

Alan Friel, chair of Squire’s data privacy, cybersecurity and digital assets practice, said: “As the regulatory environment becomes more complex and rigorous, data protection has become a key priority for clients. In addition to regulatory issues, we have seen an uptick in demand for due diligence and advisory services due to a significant increase in M&A activity.”

Naylor spent just over six years at Wiggin, more than four of which as head of its data and cybersecurity practice. He also spent three years as co-head of its technology practice. Before that he spent a decade as a partner at Fieldfisher, where he headed up its advanced media and technology practice, as well as co-head of its growth company practice. He also spent more than five years as a partner at Morrison & Foerster and two years as a senior associate at Weil Gotshal & Manges, having started his career at Ashurst.

Jonathan Jones, Squire’s European managing partner, said: “David’s leadership in the area of digital transformation and technology innovation fits with our global data group’s expanded focus on serving our clients’ evolving commercial needs with respect to their data assets. We are committed to building the premiere global privacy team and the arrival of our new colleagues is a measure of our ambition for the future of our practice.”

Last month Squire also expanded its European white collar and investigations group with a four-lawyer hire in London and Paris, including two partners. Hannah Laming joined as a partner and head of its European government and investigations team in London from Peters and Peters, while Wayne Barnes joined as a partner from Fulcrum Chambers, also in London.