[ by Melanie Gretchen ]

A former Morgan Stanley executive who served for 2 years at the State Department under Hillary Rodham Clinton, has returned to his former employer – but with an interesting twist.  Thomas Nides departed the firm as COO and returns as Morgan Stanley Vice Chairman.  He'll report to CEO and Chairman James Gorman.

A Political Career. Mr. Nides's first taste of politics came during the 2000, presidential primaries.  He served as chief of staff for Senator Joseph Lieberman.  After the senator dropped out of the race, Mr. Nides moved on to become an aide to former House speaker, Tom  Foley, and then as chief of staff for Mickey Kantor, the former U.S. trade representative. 

His first tour of duty at Morgan Stanley was for 5 years began when his former boss at Credit Suisse, John Mack, joined Morgan Stanley  to head up the new firm.  While at Credit Suisse, Mr. Nides was one of Mr. Mack's top lieutenants, helping him steer the investment bank through the financial crisis. 

In Washington, he served as deputy secretary of state for management and resources, focused on internal operations for the agency.  In his new role, Mr. Nides will cover clients and external and government affairs and serve on Morgan Stanley’s operating and management committees.  In addition, he will work with the heads of Morgan Stanley’s core securities and wealth management businesses, Colm Kelleher and Gregory J. Fleming.

For further details, go to [Dealbook, 2/26/13].