Olivier de Poulpiquet, global co-head of Morgan Stanley Real Estate Investment (MSREI), is relocating from London to Singapore this summer in response to the 'exciting opportunities' in the Asian region.

In an internal memo to staff, MSREI said De Poulpiquet would maintain his role as co-CEO/CIO of the global business along with John Klopp, who will remain in New York. He will also continue to work closely with the company's global and regional management teams including Hoke Slaughter, who will continue to lead the business in Asia.

De Poulpiquet assumed his current position in May 2010. Brian Niles, a senior member of the company's European team, will lead the European real estate investment business from London and assume responsibility for acquisitions, asset management and capital markets activities in Europe.

Asia currently accounts for the biggest portion - or 37% - of MSREI's assets under management worldwide. This compares to 30% for Europe and 33% for the Americas. In total, the investment manager has AUM of $43.5 mln (EUR 30.2 bn).