HSBC Holdings plc has appointed Alison Platt as an independent non-executive director, effective October 1, pending shareholder approval at its 2027 annual general meeting. Platt’s term will run for three years, concluding at the 2030 AGM. With total assets of $3.438 trillion as of June 30, 2026, HSBC’s board will benefit from Platt’s extensive experience in corporate governance and risk management.
Platt, aged 64, brings over 25 years of executive leadership, including 21 years at Bupa Group and four years as CEO of Countrywide plc. Currently, she chairs Ageas UK and serves as a senior independent director at Inchcape plc, alongside non-executive roles at Spectrum Life and past appointments at Tesco plc and Hargreaves Lansdown plc. Her appointment will place her on key committees, including the Group Remuneration, Group Risk, and Nomination and Corporate Governance Committees.
As an independent director, Platt will receive £271,150 annually, broken down into £136,500 for her director role, £50,000 for Group Remuneration Committee membership, £50,000 for Group Risk Committee membership, and £34,650 for Nomination and Corporate Governance Committee membership. Upon assuming chair of the Group Remuneration Committee—subject to regulatory approval—her annual fee will increase to £150,000. Platt succeeds Dame Carolyn Fairbairn, who was appointed chair of HSBC UK Bank plc. She will formally take over the role on February 24, 2027, following the publication of HSBC’s annual results on February 23, 2027.
This appointment underscores HSBC’s commitment to strengthening its governance structure with a seasoned executive with a track record in remuneration oversight and risk management.
