He will also become a group managing director and will join the group management board chaired by group chief executive-designate, Stuart Gulliver.

Alan, who will be based in London, will have day-to-day responsibility for running all aspects of HSBC’s commercial banking business.

He will report to Sandy Flockhart, executive director, HSBC Holdings, and chairman, Europe, Middle East, Africa, Latin America and commercial banking, and chairman of HSBC Bank.

Flockhart said that Alan has a tremendous understanding of business gained from 19 years’ experience in commercial banking. He will work across the business to unlock the full potential of HSBC’ unrivalled network and international connectivity for the benefit of customers.