Former Switzerland-based Goldman Sachs exec Classen heads to London. Morgan Stanley has put former Goldman Sachs executive Alexander Classen in charge of sales for its high-net-worth business in Europe and the Middle East. He reports to Michael Durbin, head of international business within Morgan Stanley’s private-wealth unit.

“Alexander's appointment is a significant step in the continuing development of our international high net worth business,” says Durbin. “His considerable expertise and proven track record in growing high net worth business will be a considerable asset for Morgan Stanley.”

Classen, formerly general manager of Goldman Sach’s banking operations in Zurich and Geneva, will oversee sales-management, business-development and client-relationship activities for the high-net-worth businesses in the region. He will be based in London. “Morgan Stanley's strong reputation for product innovation and investment expertise, combined with the team of highly talented people, means that the business is well positioned for strong growth,” says Classen. “This is a great opportunity.”

Before he joined Goldman Sachs in 2000, Classen spent 10 years with Geneva-based bank Pictet, latterly as the head of its Asian operations in Singapore.

Morgan Stanley PWM has offices in the U.S., Europe and Asia. –FWR

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