Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP is expanding its global economic development, commerce and government relations group with the addition of former Virginia Information Technologies Agency executive Eric R. Link as director of government affairs. Based in Richmond, Link will help lead a team advising firm clients on legislative and regulatory matters, with a focus on technology and procurement issues.

“Eric has extensive experience in managing complex technology provider relationships and innovative purchasing processes, especially in the public sector,” said Randall S. Parks, co-chair of Hunton Andrews Kurth’s corporate team and chair of its global technology and outsourcing practice group. “We expect his skills to be in high demand.”

Before joining Hunton Andrews Kurth, Link most recently was chief deputy of the Division of Purchases and Supply at the Virginia Department of General Services, overseeing the operation and development of Virginia’s nationally recognized electronic procurement system.

Link also served as executive director of legal and legislative services and deputy chief information officer for the Virginia Information Technologies Agency. He managed VITA’s supply chain management division, directed VITA’s legislative initiatives and managed and coordinated legal work done on VITA’s behalf. Link also advised the agency’s chief information officer on all matters related to the management of IT services for more than 60 state agencies and the governor’s office.

“Having worked closely with Eric during my tenure as Virginia’s secretary of commerce and trade, I look forward to collaborating with him as he plays a key role in our government affairs practice,” said Todd P. Haymore, who heads Hunton Andrews Kurth’s global economic development, commerce and government relations group, the firm’s full-service public affairs arm. “His deep knowledge and longtime relationships will help our clients achieve their business goals.”

A graduate of the University of Richmond and the University of Richmond School of Law, Link also held positions as a staff attorney with the Virginia General Assembly’s Joint Commission on Technology and Science and as majority staff counsel to the U.S. House of Representatives’ Committee on Commerce.