Alex Wilmot-Sitwell, former co-head of UBS AG and a current Bank of America Corp (NYSE:BAC) executive, testified that he didn’t recall UBS trader Tom Hayes and wasn’t sure if they had even been at the company at the same time, but British investigators have uncovered an email chain that shows Wilmot-Sitwell was involved in trying to retain Hayes, reports David Enrich for The Wall Street Journal’s MoneyBeat.
UBS Executive email
The email (reprinted below; WSJ opted to withhold some executives’ names) calls all of Wilmot-Sitwell’s testimony into question because it demonstrates that he may be willing to lie to cover his actions. No doubt he will say that he had forgotten about the email exchange, or that it was a detail beneath his notice, but it still raises doubts about his veracity.
—–Original Message——
From: UBS Executive 1
Sent: 10 Jul 2009 09:37
To: UBS Executive 2
To: Kengeter, Carsten
Cc: Alex Wilmot-Sitwell
Cc: UBS Executive 3
Subject: RE: Next week
Carsten,
Spoke to him as well and everything looks fine for now, tks all of you for ur help
—–Original Message——
From: UBS Executive 2
Sent: Friday, July 10, 2009 7:26 AM
To: Kengeter, Carsten
Cc: Wilmot-Sitwell, Alexander; UBS Executive 1; UBS Executive 2; UBS Executive 3
Subject: RE: Next week
Carsten,
I spoke with Tom as well and emphasized and endorsed.
His reaction was positive.
Best regards,
UBS Executive 2
—–Original Message——
From: UBS Executive 3
Sent: Friday, July 10, 2009 2:12 PM
To: Kengeter, Carsten
Cc: Wilmot-Sitwell, Alexander; UBS Executive 2; UBS Executive 1
Subject: Next week
Carsten,
I spoke to Tom just now and reiterated the messages you conveyed to him. Overall, he was receptive. I am sure he will become more comfortable as we all speak with one voice and show him some attention.
Regards,
UBS Executive 3
—–Original Message——
From: Kengeter, Carsten
Sent: Friday, July 10, 2009 10:53 PM
To: Wilmot-Sitwell, Alexander; UBS Executive 3; UBS Executive 2; UBS Executive 1
Subject: Next week
I would like you call Tom Hayes in Tokyo please and reiterate my words of comfort to him. He will stay and not go to Citi.
We will speak directly on the phone and I will explain exactly what I told him.
Thanks.