--- title: "HSBC names ex-CBI chief Carolyn Fairbairn as UK chair" description: "HSBC has appointed Dame Carolyn Fairbairn as the new chair of HSBC UK, succeeding Dame Clara Furse, who will step down after a nine-year term. Fairbairn, who previously led the Confederation of Britis" type: "news" locale: "en" url: "https://longbridge.com/en/news/277474668.md" published_at: "2026-03-02T13:37:22.000Z" --- # HSBC names ex-CBI chief Carolyn Fairbairn as UK chair > HSBC has appointed Dame Carolyn Fairbairn as the new chair of HSBC UK, succeeding Dame Clara Furse, who will step down after a nine-year term. Fairbairn, who previously led the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) from 2015 to 2020, has served on HSBC's board for five years and brings extensive experience in the UK business landscape. Her appointment follows a thorough succession process, and she is expected to play a key role in HSBC UK's growth strategy. Separately, Santander UK announced Nicola Bannister as the first CEO of TSB Bank since its acquisition. Monday 02 March 2026 1:36 pm Add as a preferred source on Google The former boss of Britain’s largest industry body has been appointed the next chair of HSBC UK, having served on the bank’s board for five years. The lending giant confirmed on Monday that Dame Carolyn Fairbairn, who ran the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) between 2015 and 2020, would lead its board in the UK, replacing former London Stock Exchange boss Dame Clara Furse. Furse’s nine-year term in the role will conclude in the coming months, after which Fairbairn will take on what is one of the most prestigious non-executive jobs in UK finance subject to her getting the nod from regulators. HSBC said in a statement that Fairbairn was appointed after a “robust succession process” that included a range of internal and external candidates. The bank added that Fairbairn would bring “deep experience” of Britain’s business landscape and an understanding of “the role of UK businesses in an international context”. “I would like to thank Dame Clara for her dedication, commitment and the significant contribution she has made to HSBC during her time as chair of HSBC UK,” the bank’s group chairman, Brendan Nelson, said. “I believe that Dame Carolyn’s deep understanding of the UK business and regulatory landscape will be invaluable in the next phase of delivery for HSBC UK bank’s growth strategy and as we deliver fr our investors, customers, communities and employees.” ## HSBC appoints Brendan Nelson to global chair Nelson only took up chairmanship of the wider banking group three months ago, after predecessor Mark Tucker’s suddenly resigned, triggering a lengthy search for a successor that lasted several months. Fairbarin’s elevation to chair the UK bank, follows a stint heading up the bank’s remuneration committee in Britain. She has also served on the boards of Lloyds Banking Group and defence giant BAE, as well as non-executive positions at both the Competition and Markets Authority and Financial Services Authority, the precursor to the Financial Conduct Authority. But she is best known for the five years she spent at the helm of the CBI, the UK’s largest lobbying group. Her successor, Tony Danker, oversaw a short spell in which the industry body’s future was plunged into doubt, after a string of news reports uncovered a litany of revelations about the body’s treatment of female staff. Separately, Santander UK confirmed on Monday that Nicola Bannister will become the first chief executive of TSB Bank since the Spanish juggernaut bought the high street bank in July. ### Related Stocks - [BNC.UK - Banco Santander, S.A.](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/BNC.UK.md) - [00005.HK - HSBC HOLDINGS](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/00005.HK.md) - [HSBC.US - HSBC](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/HSBC.US.md) - [HSBH.US - HSBC Holdings plc ADRhedged](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/HSBH.US.md) - [HSBA.UK - HSBC Holdings Plc](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/HSBA.UK.md) - [SAN.US - Banco Santander SA-Spon](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/SAN.US.md) ## Related News & Research | Title | Description | URL | |-------|-------------|-----| | HSBC Approves $3.93 Billion Variable Pay, Up 10% From 2024 | HSBC Approves $3.93 Billion Variable Pay, Up 10% From 2024 | [Link](https://longbridge.com/en/news/276927157.md) | | Golf-New Zealand's Ko balancing fatigue with Grand Slam ambition | Lydia Ko, a three-time major champion, is balancing her ambition for a career Grand Slam with the physical fatigue from | [Link](https://longbridge.com/en/news/276857683.md) | | HSBC: BoComm, French Sale, Legal Costs Drive Lower Profit | HSBC reported a profit after tax of $29.9 billion for 2025, down $2.4 billion from 2024, despite a 4% revenue increase t | [Link](https://longbridge.com/en/news/276834870.md) | | Daily Debrief: What Happened Today (Feb 26) | Economists have raised Singapore's 2026 growth forecast to 3.6%, with headline inflation projected at 1.5%. PM Wong note | [Link](https://longbridge.com/en/news/277023518.md) | | HSBC updates segment reporting and issues unaudited 4Q 2025 data pack | HSBC Holdings has released an unaudited data pack for 4Q 2025, detailing financial information aligned with its upcoming | [Link](https://longbridge.com/en/news/276853360.md) | --- > **Disclaimer**: This article is for reference only and does not constitute any investment advice.