HSBC appoints John McDonald as Chief Marketing Officer
In this newly created role, McDonald will bring together the Marketing and Brand functions across HSBC's four primary businesses under unified leadership.
He will be responsible for shaping and delivering HSBC's marketing, branding, client engagement across the bank's four business areas of International Wealth and Premier Banking, Corporate and Institutional Banking, Hong Kong and the UK.
During his 25-year career as a global marketing leader, John has worked with the world's leading brands such as Mastercard, American Express and British Airways, and led key accounts at Publicis Groupe and WPP across the Americas, Asia and Europe.
Sharing his thoughts on a LinkedIn post, John McDonald, CMO, HSBC, said, 'It's a pivotal time to join — as HSBC reshapes itself to become simpler, more agile, and more focused on the needs of its clients. I can't wait to contribute to that transformation and build on the incredible momentum my future colleagues around the world have already created.'
McDonald added, 'I was born in Clapham South, raised in Wembley, went to school in Barnet, and started my first proper job in Canary Wharf (at Ogilvy, when they still had a speedboat you could use — it was a very different time). My parents still live in North London. But as the years passed, I stopped calling London home. In truth, I didn't think I'd ever have reason to do so again. But, if I've learned anything, it's that life rarely follows the path we expect. So I couldn't be happier to be coming home — to lead a truly iconic global brand and take on what is, for me, the opportunity of a lifetime.'
He joins HSBC at a pivotal time, given its renewed strategy to become a more simple, agile and focused bank to better serve its customers.
Commenting on the appointment, Barry O'Byrne, CEO, International Wealth and Premier Banking at HSBC, said, 'HSBC's ambition is to become the most trusted bank globally, putting our customers at the heart of everything we do. We are excited to welcome John whose depth and range of experience will be invaluable – not only as we increase our focus on wealth, but as we accelerate growth, increase market share and build an even more distinctive brand that resonates with current and future clients across our businesses and markets globally.'
Recent highlights of HSBC's brand, marketing and client engagements include its Global Brand Campaign including the 'Originals' content series with Bloomberg, Conde Nast and Vox Media, a refreshed Global Airport strategy resulting in media presence across 23 global airports.
The bank has also invested in strategic brand partnerships such as: the Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong, HSBC Championships in the UK and the LIV Golf Global Partnership – all alongside an existing portfolio across sports, arts and culture.
In 2025, HSBC relaunched its Private Bank and Premier services, in addition to hosting a series of wealth Summits, including their Flagship Global Investment Summit.
The bank also rebranded the newly created Corporate and Institutional Banking (CIB) business. Additionally, HSBC recently marked its 160th year with celebratory events, activations and digital engagement campaigns to enhance client interaction and brand presence.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Emirates Woman
11 hours ago
- Emirates Woman
Cheval Blanc's ultra-luxury private island resort is coming to Dubai
Dubai's hospitality landscape is poised to reach new heights with the arrival of Cheval Blanc, the ultra-luxury maison renowned for its intimate, emotion-driven stays. Set to open in 2029 on a private island, the resort marks the brand's first foray into the city, joining its coveted portfolio of properties in St. Tropez, the Maldives, Seychelles, and St. Barths. Developed by Shamal Holding, the UAE-based investment firm, Cheval Blanc Dubai will embody the brand's signature elegance while embracing the essence of its surroundings. The retreat will feature 30 suites and 40 private pool villas, each meticulously designed with clean, modern lines and warm, understated details. Far from chasing fleeting trends, the architecture will prioritize flow, natural light, and serenity, offering guests an immersive sanctuary to unwind. A Philosophy of Presence What distinguishes Cheval Blanc is its art of hospitality—an experience crafted around emotion, presence, and intuitive service. Every stay is designed to feel deeply personal, where every detail is considered not to impress, but to resonate. Wellness as a Way of Being At Cheval Blanc, wellness is not an add-on but a fundamental rhythm of the stay. The spa experience—likely curated in collaboration with iconic names like Guerlain or Dior—will transcend traditional treatments, offering quiet, thoughtful rituals tailored to individual needs. This is not merely a spa, but a journey of rejuvenation, where every moment is designed to slow time and restore balance. While official details remain under wraps, the maison's legacy suggests exceptional gastronomy will be at the heart of the experience. Expect seasonal, artfully crafted menus that go beyond dining, creating moments where atmosphere, timing, and detail converge into something unforgettable. A Seamless Escape Every element of Cheval Blanc Dubai will honor the natural beauty of its island setting while offering a refined, contemporary retreat. It's a place where luxury is not about excess, but about the right kind of stillness—a rare harmony of design, service, and soul. As anticipation builds, one thing is certain: Dubai's luxury hospitality scene is about to be redefined. – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Supplied
Gulf Today
18 hours ago
- Gulf Today
India accuses EU, US of double standard over Russian trade
India has sharply criticised the United States and the European Union, saying it is being unfairly singled out by them over its Russian oil purchases when they both trade extensively with Moscow despite the war in Ukraine. India's criticism followed a renewed threat by US President Donald Trump on Monday to raise tariffs on goods from India over its Russian oil purchases, deepening the trade rift between the two countries. In a rare show of unity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the main opposition Congress on Tuesday condemned Trump's repeated criticism of New Delhi. India's Foreign Ministry said in a statement issued late on Monday that "it is revealing that the very nations criticising India are themselves indulging in trade with Russia". "It is unjustified to single out India," the ministry said. It said the EU conducted 67.5 billion euros ($78.02 billion) in trade with Russia in 2024, including record imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) reaching 16.5 million metric tons. The United States, the statement said, continues to import Russian uranium hexafluoride for use in its nuclear power industry, palladium, fertilisers and chemicals. It did not give a source for the export information. The US embassy and the EU's delegation in New Delhi did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Both the United States and EU have sharply scaled back their trade ties with Russia since it launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. In 2021, Russia was the EU's fifth-largest trading partner, with goods exchange worth 258 billion euros, according to the EU executive European Commission. SUDDEN RIFT The sudden rift between India and the U.S. has been deepening since July 31, when Trump announced a 25% tariff on Indian goods being shipped to the U.S. and for the first time threatened unspecified penalties for buying Russian oil. India is one of the biggest buyers of crude from Russia, importing about 1.75 million barrels per day from January to June this year, up 1% from a year ago. Indian refiner Nayara Energy, a major buyer of Russian oil which is majority owned by Russian entities including oil major Rosneft, was subjected to European Union sanctions targeting Russia's oil and energy industry in July. India has said it does not support "unilateral sanctions" by the EU. Trade experts say Trump's tariff could badly hurt India's economy. Ajay Srivastava of the New Delhi-based Global Trade Research Initiative said he expected Indian goods exports to the US to fall 30% in the current fiscal year ending March 31, to $60.6 billion from $86.5 billion in the 2025 fiscal year. India's equity benchmarks fell after Trump's renewed threat of harsh tariffs on goods from India. Manish Tewari, a member of parliament and Congress leader, said Trump's "disparaging remarks hurt the dignity and self-respect of Indians". "The time has come to call out this constant bullying and hectoring," he added. BJP Vice President Baijayant Jay Panda quoted Henry Kissinger - the most powerful US diplomat of the Cold War era - in a post on X: "To be an enemy of America can be dangerous, but to be a friend is fatal." Agence France-Presse
Arabian Post
19 hours ago
- Arabian Post
UAE Hosts Key Africa Debate Conference in Dubai
The Africa Debate conference, a pivotal event focusing on trade and investment across the African continent, is set to take place on 30 September 2025 in Dubai. Organised by Invest Africa in partnership with the UAE government, this flagship conference aims to address critical issues surrounding economic growth, investment opportunities, and regional collaboration in Africa. Held in cooperation with the UAE Ministry of Foreign Trade, the conference will bring together top-level representatives, business leaders, and policymakers from both Africa and the UAE. The event is expected to provide a platform for high-level discussions on strategies for fostering sustainable economic development, deepening commercial ties, and enhancing trade links between the two regions. Key topics of discussion will include boosting intra-Africa trade, attracting foreign direct investment into African markets, and fostering public-private partnerships to address infrastructure challenges. The conference will also focus on sectors such as renewable energy, agriculture, technology, and healthcare, areas that have seen significant growth and investment potential in Africa in recent years. ADVERTISEMENT One of the standout features of the event is the presence of African leaders, corporate executives, and development agencies who will share their insights into the current landscape and future outlook for the continent's economic prospects. UAE-based businesses and investors, well-known for their robust presence in global markets, are expected to engage in direct dialogues with African counterparts to explore opportunities for collaboration. Dubai's role as a business hub and a gateway between Africa, Asia, and Europe has further enhanced the city's appeal as the host venue for such an important gathering. The city's infrastructure, combined with its strategic location, makes it an ideal setting for bridging the economic divide and fostering discussions on cross-continental trade agreements. Furthermore, the UAE has positioned itself as a key player in strengthening relations with African nations, supporting development initiatives, and promoting its own businesses' expansion into African markets. As part of the event, several panel discussions and networking sessions will allow attendees to examine trends in African markets and identify innovative solutions to address the continent's challenges. These include exploring new financing models, overcoming trade barriers, and accelerating Africa's digital transformation. The ongoing rise of Africa's middle class and the growing demand for consumer goods, healthcare, and technological solutions present significant opportunities for businesses operating within the continent. The UAE's increasing focus on fostering economic diversification aligns with its broader strategic goals, such as its Vision 2021 and Vision 2030 agendas. By investing in industries like technology, sustainability, and infrastructure, the UAE is strengthening its own position as a leader in both the regional and global markets. The Africa Debate conference aligns with these goals, offering a unique opportunity for the UAE to collaborate with Africa's emerging markets while simultaneously furthering its international economic footprint. The event's timing is particularly significant given Africa's robust economic growth trajectory, despite facing several challenges such as political instability and infrastructure gaps. Trade agreements such as the African Continental Free Trade Area are expected to play a central role in the dialogue, with participants examining how the deal can be leveraged to boost intra-Africa trade and reduce reliance on external markets.
