HSBC names Brendan Nelson as group chair

He will remain chairman of the group audit committee until February 2026.

HSBC has appointed Brendan Nelson as group chair.

Nelson first joined the board in September 2023 and has served as interim group chair since 1 October 2025.

He will continue to remain as chairman of the group audit committee until the publication of HSBC’s annual results in February 2026, the bank said in a statement published on 4 December 2025.

Prior to the appointment, Nelson worked in KPMG, and on the boards of BP, RBS, and HSBC.

In the announcement, Nelson said that he is honoured to be named to the role.

“I look forward to continuing to work with the board, Georges and the wider management team as we deliver on our strategic and financial objectives,” Nelson said.