Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management has appointed Alexander Classen, formerly general manager of Goldman Sachs’ Swiss Banking operation...

Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management has appointed Alexander Classen, formerly general manager of Goldman Sachs’ Swiss Banking operations in Zurich and Geneva, as head of sales for its high net worth business in Europe and the Middle East. Mr Classen will report to Michael Durbin, head of Morgan Stanley’s international PWM business. He will be based in London and oversee all aspects of sales management, business development and client relationship activities for the high net worth businesses in the region. Prior to joining Goldman Sachs in 2000, Mr Classen spent 10 years at Pictet, latterly as the head of its Asian operations in Singapore. The move goes someway to address a number of senior departures at Morgan Stanley's PWM division last year. Further hires are also expected to be annouced soon, according to insiders.