HSBC chief executive resigns in top level reshuffle

John Flint, the chief executive of HSBC has stepped down after the bank said it needed a change in leadership to address a “challenging global environment”.

Flint is giving up the role he has held for a year and a half “by mutual agreement with the board”. Flint, aged 51 who has worked at HSBC for 30 years, said: “I have agreed with the board that today’s good interim results indicate that this is the right time for change, both for me and the bank.”

He will immediately cease his day-to-day responsibilities at HSBC but will help with the transition as Noel Quinn takes over as interim chief executive.

Chairman Mark Tucker thanked Mr Flint for his “commitment” and “dedication”.

However, he said: “In the increasingly complex and challenging global environment in which the bank operates, the board believes a change is needed to meet the challenges that we face and to capture the very significant opportunities before us.”

HSBC made the announcement as it reported a 15.8% rise in pre-tax profit to $12.4bn (£10.2bn) for the six months to 30 June.

Via Financial Times/BBC/The Guardian