Morgan Stanley Private Equity Asia Undergoes Strategic Reorganization in the Region as CEO Chin Chou Retires

In a significant development, Morgan Stanley Private Equity Asia (PEA) is undergoing a strategic realignment in the Asian region following the retirement of its current Chief Executive of Asia, Chin Chou. This restructuring, as detailed in an internal memo, marks a pivotal moment for the renowned financial institution.

A notable aspect of the reorganization entails the establishment of a dedicated China-focused team within the broader Asian landscape. This specialized team will concentrate on investments both onshore and offshore China, a move aimed at harnessing the vast opportunities presented by the dynamic Chinese market.

Jun Xu, presently heading the yuan-denominated investment funds at Morgan Stanley, has been appointed to lead all private equity endeavors in China. Xu’s extensive experience, spanning over a decade with the firm since 2005, includes spearheading the expansion of yuan-denominated private equity operations in China since joining Private Equity Asia in 2008.

Simultaneously, Nirav Mehta and Arjun Saigal, co-heads of India PE, will assume the roles of co-heads of PEA ex-China. Despite this shift, the focus on investments across the region will remain robust, with India retaining its prominence as a core focus area.

Chou’s retirement, marking the culmination of a remarkable 35-year tenure with Morgan Stanley’s private equity arm, underscores his enduring legacy within the organization. With pivotal roles in establishing and nurturing the firm’s presence in Asia, Chou leaves behind a rich legacy.

Andrew Hawkyard, with 24 years of invaluable service to the PE Asia unit, will also bid farewell upon retirement. Notably, Hawkyard’s tenure culminates with his role as the unit’s Chief Investment Officer, signifying his instrumental contributions to the firm’s success.

Morgan Stanley PEA’s track record of success is underscored by its impressive fundraising endeavors, having raised five private equity funds totaling over $4 billion since 1999. Noteworthy among these is the fourth Asia fund, which closed in 2014 at $1.7 billion, representing the largest fund raised by PEA to date.

In line with its commitment to regional growth and diversification, Morgan Stanley PEA has also ventured into specialized funds, such as the Thailand-focused fund raised in partnership with Bangkok Bank in 2018, further solidifying its position as a leading player in the Asian private equity landscape.

Guided by a mission to foster growth and innovation, the Asia private equity team at Morgan Stanley continues to pursue strategic investments in growth-oriented companies, embodying the firm’s ethos of driving value and transformation across the region.

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