Mr. Lecocq will report to Thomas Kalaris, Chief Executive of Barclays Wealth Management and will be responsible for developing and enhancing Barclays Wealth Management's newly integrated Product Office.

Mr Lecocq's appointment is in line with Barclays Wealth Management's current drive for expansion and a more institutionally oriented and solutions-based client offering. Under Mr Lecocq's direction, the Product Office will focus on product development and structuring, portfolio construction, investment research and investment management. Mr Lecocq's extensive experience makes him uniquely placed for the role in which he will leverage the business's close links with Barclays Capital and Barclays Global Investors. Mr Lecocq commences his new role at Barclays on 22 May 2006.

Thomas Kalaris, Chief Executive, Barclays Wealth said:

"I am delighted to welcome Kevin to Barclays Wealth Management. His wide-ranging experience will be invaluable to us as we seek to bring institutional quality products to the retail market. Kevin's strong track record in sophisticated structured products across all asset classes combined with his leadership skills makes him a key force in driving our ambitions for the Product Office and for Barclays Wealth Management."

Mr Lecocq joins the firm from HSBC where he was European Head of Institutional Sales with responsibility for a team of 200 professionals. Mr. Lecocq has worked in the industry for 17 years and held a number of senior roles most recently at North Bay Investment Management, Gen Re Securities and Deutsche Bank.