The move surprised both rivals and investors, who have spent years watching Quinn slowly rebuild HSBC into a leaner, more profitable banking powerhouse while deftly navigating the geopolitical turmoil that threatened his company’s budding operations across Asia.
In the end, the only thing more surprising than Noel Quinn’s appointment as chief executive officer of HSBC Holdings was his departure.
Years of globe-trotting and long hours have finally caught up with the 62-year-old and the time has come for him to “rebalance” his personal and professional life, Quinn said on April 30. He plans to stick around until the bank’s board finds his successor.
