After ‘Mutual’ Separation, Morgan Stanley Manager Alights at Merrill Lynch

Robert Beylickjian, a former branch manager for Morgan Stanley who left unexpectedly in May, has joined Merrill Lynch as an associate complex director.

Beylickjian, who had overseen Morgan Stanley’s Lawrenceville, NJ, branch, reached a “mutual agreement” with Morgan Stanley  to separate from the firm in May, according to Central Registration Depository records. The departure was not client related and did not involve sale practices, the regulatory record said.

Beylickjian had managed the branch since 2009, according to his LinkedIn profile and this Princeton regional Chamber of Commerce website. Sources said at the time that the departure may have been related to a personnel issue.

Beylickjian, whose BrokerCheck history says he registered with Merrill last Thursday, did not return a call for comment.

His May departure was at least the fifth of a branch or complex leader from Morgan Stanley in or around New York City in the previous six months. Beylickjian’s complex manager, William Shinners, announced his retirment in June.

Morgan Stanley has subsequently reorganized its New Jersey regional sales structure to realign branches under different complexes.

Beylickjian had been with Morgan Stanley since 2007, and was considered an effective recruiter, sources said in May. He was also co-chair of the firm’s national diversity and inclusion council.

According to BrokerCheck, he started his career in 1989 at Kidder, Peabody & Co. and also has worked at PaineWebber Inc., Prudential Securities and its successor firm Wachovia Securities.