Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) announced today that the Firm will be builds out its India operations by promoting Leslie Menkes to Head of Onshore Private Wealth Management for Asia and appointing Ritu Jain as Market Director for North India Region.

Mr. Menkes in his newly created role will oversee the strategic expansion initiatives of the Firm's Private Wealth Management (PWM) division across the region, including new markets such as India, which will launch operations in the near future, and other key Asian markets. In addition, Mr. Menkes will resume his responsibilities as Head of Client Solutions, providing senior management oversight for both the Managed Products and Capital Markets businesses. A 20-year veteran of Morgan Stanley, he will continue to be based in Singapore and will join the Global Private Wealth Management Executive Committee.

Commenting on Leslie Menkes' appointment, Charles Mak, Morgan Stanley's Head of Private Wealth Management for Asia, said: "Asia is one of the fastest growing regions in the world for the private wealth management industry. As our business continues to expand, we remain focused on staying at the forefront of product and platform innovation. With nearly 20 years of experience in the business, and having originated many of our differentiated offerings, Les is well-positioned to drive our growth Initiatives."

"The potential offered by Asia's growth markets, particularly onshore, is immense," said Mr. Menkes. "With Morgan Stanley's global coverage, we are able to offer high-standard products and unique insights to clients in these local markets. I am delighted to take on my new roles to help drive the build out of our PWM business in the region."

As part of the sales team under Himanshu Bhagat, Head of Sales, PWM India, Ms. Jain will be responsible for the PWM business launch in North India. She joins from Barclays Bank PLC where she set up and was the Zonal Head - North India for the Premier Banking division which offered Investment and Banking solutions to HNIs, Corporates, SMEs and Trusts.

Prior to that, she also worked for the Financial Advisory Services (FAS) unit of the American Express Bank Ltd and HDFC Mutual Fund, along with over six years of service with the Government of India.

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Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management provides a range of investment and private banking services to ultra-high net worth individuals, families and related institutions in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

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