Merrill CDO exec Margolis leaves firm -source

NEW YORK, Sept 13 (Reuters) - Ken Margolis, co-head of global cash collateralized-debt obligations at Merrill Lynch & Co MER.N, has left to join an investment firm, a person familiar with the matter said on Thursday.

Harin De Silva, who has also served as co-head of global cash CDOs, is expected to take on greater responsibilities, the person said.

Margolis's next job will be at Harding Advisory LLC, a New York alternative-investment manager, the Wall Street Journal reported in its online edition, citing a person familiar with the matter. The Journal earlier reported news of Margolis's departure.

The Journal also reported, citing people with knowledge of the matter, that Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc's LEH.N David Sherr has taken steps to leave his post as head of global securitized products, which includes mortgages.

Also, John Beaman, Lehman's head of commercial mortgage-backed securities trading, has abruptly left the firm, the Journal reported, citing associates.

Merrill Lynch and Lehman Brothers were not immediately available for comment.