Ted Lord has left his position as Barclays’ head of covered bond product and plans to focus on a project aimed at preventing heart attacks.

Lord worked for Barclays for 21 years and since the asset class gained international prominence more than a decade ago he has been one of the most high profile personalities in the covered bond industry given the bank’s position in the market and his irrepressible character.

The Covered Bond Report understands that Barclays, which won The CBR’s overall bank Award for Excellence in May, has no plans for a replacement given the personnel it already has in place.

Barclays recognised Lord’s contribution to its franchise in an internal memo seen by The CBR.

“Through foresight and persistence Ted played a formative role in establishing Barclays’ market leading covered bond business,” it said. “Having operated at the top of the market for the last decade, Barclays’ dominant position in the covered bond market was underscored in 2012-13 by receipt of every top industry award in this asset class.

“Although the credit for these achievements is attributable to many across the firm, it is difficult to imagine how these heights would have been scaled without Ted. We wish to thank Ted for his great contribution to Barclays and wish him every success in future ventures.”

Lord told The CBR that he is now moving on to the next phase in his life and that he has been drawn to work being done to prevent acute myocardial infarction (AMI), commonly known as heart attacks.

“I have recently come across a group of inspiring doctors and entrepreneurs who can improve the early detection system of AMIs, effect early treatment, and enable this availability to all sections of the population all over the world,” said Lord. “It is something similar to a pregnancy test – only for an AMI.

“I also see a clear role that I can take in this endeavour.”

However, Lord said he does not see himself leaving covered bonds entirely.

“I love this area too much and have an entrepreneurial concept that should be a lot of fun and add value to the market,” he said. “The new set-up would give me some more time for this other interest.”