4,000 jobs to be axed at HSBC

Asher McShane5 August 2019

HSBC is to cut 4,000 jobs after the sudden departure of its chief executive on Monday after 18 months in the job.

Around two per cent of the company's workforce is to be cut.

"We expect this year to have $650 million to $700 million of severance costs; that involves less than 2% of our workforce," chief financial officer Ewen Stevenson said.

Mr Flint had already begun a programme of job cuts. He stepped down after the bank said it believed a change was needed "to meet the challenges" it faces.

The bank said in a statement that Mr Flint had resigned from the role "by mutual agreement with the board".

"Although not carrying out his day-to-day duties after today, he remains available to assist HSBC with the transition," the bank added.

Noel Quinn will take over as interim chief executive until a successor is appointed.

The exact amount Mr Flint will get as a payoff remains unknown until he leaves the business, HSBC said.

However, he will be entitled to 12 months' salary and a "fixed pay allowance" - of £3.3 million - and "will be eligible to be considered for an annual incentive award".

The bank added: "Mr Flint will not be eligible for an LTI (long-term incentive) award in respect of the 2019 performance year."

Last year he was paid £4.6 million.

HSBC chairman Mark Tucker said: "On behalf of the board, I would like to thank John for his personal commitment, dedication and the significant contribution that he has made over his long career at the bank.

"Today's positive interim results particularly reflect John's achievements as group chief executive."

Mr Tucker said that although HSBC "is in a strong position to deliver on its strategy", a change of chief executive is necessary.

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