The US market is of strategic importance for the bank, with wealth management – rather than investment banking, as in the past – now at the center. UBS recently obtained the corresponding banking license.

In this context, personnel announcements from the region are also of interest. In a memo, which was also picked up by Business Wire, the bank announced on Monday that it had hired Jeremy Autry as Market Director in the Manhattan Market. He will be based at UBS’s office at 1285 Avenue and will report to Kellie Brady, who is responsible for the Manhattan market. In his new role, he will leverage the full breadth of UBS’s Global Wealth Management platform.

«Passion for financial planning»

Brady commented on the new hire: «His passion for financial planning and strategic leadership make him an outstanding addition to our Manhattan market.»

Before joining UBS, Autry served as Associate Market Manager for the 5th Avenue Market at Morgan Stanley, where he held leadership roles in sales, financial planning, and distribution. Earlier in his career, he worked at Fidelity Investments, Lincoln Financial Distributors, and Axa Distributors, among others.

UBS is also strengthening its New York operations, according to the memo, with the addition of the Levinson-Vargas Group, which will become part of the UBS Manhattan Market led by Brady and is likewise leaving Morgan Stanley. Harlan S. Levinson and Louis F. Vargas will join as financial advisors and report to Market Director Demie Kommatas.

The duo joining UBS from Morgan Stanley: Louis Vargas and Harlan Levinson. (Images: LinkedIn)

Brady added: «Their impressive track record and strong commitment to client service make them an excellent addition to our Manhattan market as we continue to invest in top advisory talent.» Levinson advises a diverse client base that includes entrepreneurs and CEOs, as well as clients from the advertising and entertainment industries.

His focus is on tailored strategies for wealth creation and preservation. He also has experience in retirement planning, trusts and estates, intergenerational wealth transfer, wealth structuring, and financial planning for LGBT individuals and partners.

From Succession Planning to Philanthropy

He most recently served as Vice President and Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley. Previously, he gained experience at a private equity firm, at Bank of New York, and at Morgan Grenfell.Vargas also brings extensive experience, having spent more than 15 years advising high-net-worth individuals, families, and entrepreneurs. According to the memo, he has deep expertise in investment strategies, financial and corporate retirement planning, options strategies, and risk management.

He has also supported clients in business succession planning, intergenerational wealth transfer, and philanthropic initiatives. Most recently, he worked for ten years as a Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley, following 14 years as a Senior Financial Analyst at Merrill Lynch.