# HSBC appoints Brendan Nelson as group chairman

By Dan Coatsworth — 2025-12-03

Dan Coatsworth, head of markets at AJ Bell, said: “The market might be feeling a little underwhelmed by the appointment of HSBC’s new chair.

“Brendan Nelson had been filling in on an interim basis since the start of October.

“Some may read between the lines that this is effectively still a short-term hire until HSBC can secure a higher profile candidate or someone with more direct banking experience.

“Former Chancellor George Osborne and Goldman Sachs’ Asia chief Kevin Sneader were among the names floated as potential candidates before today’s announcement.

“Nelson has principally worked in accounting as well as serving as a non-executive director at NatWest and BP. At 76, matching the eight-year tenure of his predecessor Mark Tucker may be a big ask.

“The role arguably has more significance than ever as HSBC pursues growth in Asia in a difficult geopolitical environment and as current boss Georges Elhedery undertakes a major restructuring of the business.”

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