Morgan Stanley names Christianson and Strong co-CEOs Asia-Pacific

Morgan Stanley has named Wei Sun Christianson and William Strong as co-heads of Asia to replace outgoing Owen Thomas.

Morgan Stanley has appointed Wei Sun Christianson and William Strong as co-chief executives for Asia-Pacific. They will take over from Owen Thomas, current Asia chief executive, who is relocating back to the US.

Christianson has worked for Morgan Stanley for eight years in Hong Kong and Beijing. She is currently chief executive of Morgan Stanley China and will continue in this role in addition to her new responsibilities as co-chief executive. Before starting her investment banking career, Christianson was associate director at the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission. She has been active in the investment banking industry in China for more than 15 years.

Strong is currently vice-chairman of investment banking and head of the United States midwestern region for Morgan Stanley, based in Chicago. He has more than 30 years in the investment banking industry, 18 years spent working with Morgan Stanley. He has also run international investment banking operations for Salomon Brothers, based in London.

Following the new appointment, Strong will relocate to Hong Kong, while Christianson will remain based in Beijing. They will both report to London-based Colm Kelleher, co-president of institutional securities and head of Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific.