HSBC (HSBC) confirms Brendan Nelson as Group Chair and extends audit committee role

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

HSBC Holdings plc has appointed Brendan Nelson as Group Chair, confirming him in the role after he served as interim Group Chair since 1 October 2025. Nelson joined the Board in September 2023 and brings a long financial services background, including leading KPMG’s Global Financial Services Practice and serving on the boards of BP, RBS and HSBC.

The Board states that his appointment follows a robust process that reviewed both internal and external candidates. Nelson will continue as Chairman of the Group Audit Committee until the publication of HSBC’s 2025 results expected in February 2026, after which the company plans to update the market on his audit committee succession.

HSBC, headquartered in London, serves customers in 57 countries and territories and reported assets of US$3,234bn as of 30 September 2025, making it one of the world’s largest banking and financial services groups.

Insights

Banking governance analyst

HSBC confirms its interim Group Chair in a permanent role after a formal selection process.

HSBC Holdings plc has moved Brendan Nelson from interim to permanent Group Chair, signalling Board preference for continuity in leadership. His experience at KPMG’s Global Financial Services Practice and prior board roles at BP, RBS and HSBC indicate deep familiarity with large, complex financial institutions.

The announcement highlights that the Board ran a “robust process” considering both internal and external candidates, which suggests an intentional, structured approach rather than a default internal promotion. Nelson also remains Chairman of the Group Audit Committee until the 2025 results are published in February 2026, meaning he will temporarily hold both roles during a key reporting period.

Investors may pay attention to any later disclosure on who succeeds Nelson as Audit Committee Chair once the 2025 results are released in February 2026, as that role is central to financial reporting oversight and risk governance in a global bank of HSBC’s size.

FORM 6-K

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Report of Foreign Private Issuer

Pursuant to Rule 13a - 16 or 15d - 16 of

the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the month of December

HSBC Holdings plc

42nd Floor, 8 Canada Square, London E14 5HQ, England

(Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F).

Form 20-F X               Form 40-F  

3 December 2025

HSBC HOLDINGS PLC

GROUP CHAIR SUCCESSION

HSBC Holdings plc ('HSBC' or the 'Company') Board today appoints Brendan Nelson as Group Chair.

Brendan, who has been serving as interim Group Chair since 1 October 2025, joined the Board in September 2023.

He has had an extensive career in financial services, both at KPMG, when he led the Global Financial Services Practice, advising and auditing international banks, and on the Boards of BP, RBS, and HSBC.

This decision follows a robust process that considered both internal and external candidates.

Ann Godbehere, Senior Independent Director, who led the process commented "On behalf of the Board, I am delighted with Brendan's appointment as our Group Chair. Since assuming the role of interim Group Chair, Brendan has demonstrated his excellent leadership capabilities backed by his strong banking and governance credentials"

Brendan Nelson said: "I am honoured to be HSBC Group Chair.  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".

Brendan will remain as Chairman of the Group Audit Committee until the publication of the 2025 results in February 2026. HSBC will provide an update on the succession for this role in due course.

Save as disclosed in this announcement, there is no other information required to be disclosed pursuant to UK Listing Rule 6.4.8 or Rule 13.51(2) of the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited.

For and on behalf of

HSBC Holdings plc

Aileen Taylor

Company Secretary

HSBC Holdings plc

Registered Office and Group Head Office:

8 Canada Square, London E14 5HQ, United Kingdom

Web: www.hsbc.com

Incorporated in England and Wales with limited liability. Registration number 617987.

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors of HSBC Holdings plc as at the date of this announcement comprises: Brendan Robert Nelson*, Georges Bahjat Elhedery, Geraldine Joyce Buckingham†, Rachel Duan†, Dame Carolyn Julie Fairbairn†, James Anthony Forese†, Ann Frances Godbehere†, Steven Craig Guggenheimer†, Manveen (Pam) Kaur, Dr José Antonio Meade Kuribreña†, Kalpana Jaisingh Morparia†, Eileen K Murray† and Swee Lian Teo†.

* Independent non-executive Chair

† Independent non-executive Director

HSBC Group

HSBC Holdings plc, the parent company of HSBC, is headquartered in London. HSBC serves customers worldwide from offices in 57 countries and territories. With assets of US$3,234bn at 30 September 2025, HSBC is one of the world's largest banking and financial services organisations.

Media enquiries to: Heidi Ashley             +44 (0) 7920 254057           heidi.ashley@hsbc.com

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

HSBC Holdings plc

By:

Name: Aileen Taylor

Title: Group Company Secretary and Chief Governance Officer

Date: 03 December 2025

FAQ

Who has been appointed Group Chair of HSBC (HSBC)?

HSBC has appointed Brendan Nelson as Group Chair. He had been serving as interim Group Chair since 1 October 2025 and joined the Board in September 2023.

What is Brendan Nelson’s background before becoming HSBC Group Chair?

Brendan Nelson previously led KPMG’s Global Financial Services Practice, advising and auditing international banks, and has served on the boards of BP, RBS and HSBC.

How was the new HSBC Group Chair selected?

The Board states that Brendan Nelson’s appointment followed a robust process that considered both internal and external candidates, led by Senior Independent Director Ann Godbehere.

Will Brendan Nelson remain Audit Committee Chair at HSBC?

Brendan Nelson will remain Chairman of the Group Audit Committee until the publication of HSBC’s 2025 results, expected in February 2026, after which HSBC will update on his succession in that role.

How large is HSBC according to this 6-K filing?

HSBC reports assets of US$3,234bn as of 30 September 2025, serving customers worldwide from offices in 57 countries and territories.

Who leads the HSBC Board after this announcement?

Following this announcement, Brendan Robert Nelson is listed as the independent non-executive Chair of the Board of HSBC Holdings plc.