IFSDG: How long have you worked at Morgan
Stanley?
Ken: Almost 4 years now
IFSDG: How many people work at Morgan
Stanley?
Ken: We now have over 1,000 staff in
Glasgow and we've just taken additional office space to grow
further.
IFSDG: What is your vision for Morgan Stanley in
Glasgow?
Ken: To ensure that everything we do here
in Glasgow adds value to Morgan Stanley's business. To build
on the centres of excellence we already have here and attract more
business function to Glasgow. To play a full role in the
local community and be seen as an employer of choice.
IFSDG: What's a typical day for you?
Ken: Typical day, taking yesterday as an
example, would be get into the office before 0800, have a catch up
call with my global head followed by a business management meeting
looking at the various functions within the office. Reviewing
external support and completing paperwork for applications.
Global strategy call, usually over lunch so have to put myself on
mute whilst I eat. I then review cross office issues and
follow up with my own team to review the metrics and risk
dashboard. Finish off the day with a meeting with our
vendors, yesterday was our architect to decide on colour schemes
for our new restaurant and finally invest a good hour in clearing
e-mails.
IFSDG: How many emails do you receive on an
average day?
Ken: Over 200 - it's one of the joys of
being part of a global team - they just don't stop coming
IFSDG: Why did Morgan Stanley choose to locate in
the IFSD in Glasgow?
Ken: There is a great depth of talent on
tap with excellent feeder Universities who are willing to work
closely with business. The ambition and innovation of the
people in Glasgow is what has made the office such a success.
There is a very good transport infrastructure providing good access
to London and other financial markets. The time zone is
beneficial. There is also significant business support from
local Government who are willing to work in tandem for the best
interest of business and the city
IFSDG: Three good things about working in
Glasgow?
Ken: The people, the banter and the no
nonsense approach
IFSDG: What is your biggest business achievement
to date?
Ken: Successfully transitioning from the
military to the civilian world, it is not as easy as it looks
IFSDG: What is the best investment you ever
made?
Ken: Investing time in my family
IFSDG: Which business person or company do you
most admire and why?
Ken: Richard Branson. A true
innovator who has built an empire on a single principle and has
stuck to it through out. Be true to yourself, your ideas and focus
on the essentials
IFSDG: What did you want to be when you were a
child?
Ken: A vet
IFSDG: What do you do to relax away from the
office?
Ken: Spend time with my wife and
children, catch up with friends, read, watch or occasionally play
rugby or try and play golf
IFSDG: Blackberry or I-Phone?
Ken: I-Phone
IFSDG: Suit or no suit?
Ken: Suit
IFSDG: Football or rugby?
Ken: Rugby
IFSDG: Wine or beer?
Ken: Beer
IFSDG: Sunshine or snow?
Ken: Snow
IFSDG: and finally, what three words to sum
you up
Ken: honest, loyal, not easily
offended