StanChart poaches HSBC veteran
(18 December 2015 – United Kingdom) Standard Chartered has announced that Simon Cooper will head its corporate and investment banking operation as the bank overhauls its leadership team.
Cooper, who was head of HSBC’s commercial banking operation for two years, is the latest and most high-profile hiring by Bill Winters, who took over as StanChart’s chief executive this year.
While at HSBC, Cooper transformed the commercial banking unit into HSBC’s biggest division by profits.
Winter described Cooper as “world class banker,” adding “I wasn’t at all sure when I first called Simon that I could convince him. So I’m feeling pretty good about our ability to attract external talent to this bank.”
He will begin his tenure at StanChart in April to replace Mark Dowie, who has been in the role on an interim basis and is set to move to a new post after a handover period.
Speaking about his appointment, Cooper said: “For many years I have both competed against, and worked with, Standard Chartered. I have observed its strengths and also seen areas where I think it can improve.
“My focus will be on building a sustainable, client-focused business that is safer and with higher returns.”
Other external hires by Mr Winters since he took over include Mark Smith, who is to join from HSBC in January to become its chief risk officer. This week, the bank announced that Didier von Daeniken would join from Barclays as global head of its private banking and wealth management unit next March.
The 48-year-old HSBC veteran, who has worked in the Middle East, South Korea and Singapore over 26 years at the bank, is being replaced by Noel Quinn, the head of commercial banking in Asia.
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