HSBC Holdings has announced that Dame Carolyn Fairbairn will succeed Dame Clara Furse as non-executive Chair of HSBC UK Bank plc, subject to regulatory approval. Dame Clara is stepping down during the first half of 2026 after nine years of service. Dame Carolyn, who currently chairs the HSBC Group Remuneration Committee, will assume the role by the end of the first half of 2026 and will retain her position as an independent non-executive Director of HSBC Holdings.
Group Chairman Brendan Nelson said Dame Carolyn’s “deep understanding of the UK business and regulatory landscape will be invaluable in the next phase of HSBC UK’s growth strategy.” Nelson will resign from the HSBC UK Bank board upon Dame Carolyn’s appointment. HSBC operates across 56 countries with total assets of $3,233 billion as of December 31, 2025.