One of the top figures in the ultra high net worth arm of Barclays' wealth and investment unit in Europe has left the firm, this publication can exclusively report.

Stefanie Drews, the head of key clients and family offices, is leaving Barclays’ wealth and investment management business, having the joined the UK-listed firm in September 2010, joining from Morgan Stanley, this publication can exclusively report today.

It is understood that Drews’ responsibilities will be picked up by the team at Barclays.

At Morgan Stanley, Drews had worked at the US-listed firm for 12 years. In May 2011, she gave an interview to WealthBriefing (see here) about her role at Barclays and her ambitions for that team. Barclays has appointed a number of individuals in that team.

At the time of the May 2011 interview, Drews said the proposition in her group covered the following areas:

Investment solutions;

Advisory/brokerage;

Strategic solutions;

Credit;

Wealth advisory;

Banking.