HSBC’s marketing strategist leaves financial services

One of HSBC’s top marketers has left to pursue a new career outside of financial services.

James Davies has exited his role as Director of Marketing Strategy, Insight and Effectiveness at HSBC UK after over two years. He has not announced where he is moving to yet.

He had been at HSBC for 16 years in total, including two years heading up marketing at First Direct and a further 11 years in various commercial banking roles. Before that he held roles at RBS and Coutts.

In a comment to the Financial Services Forum, James commented: “Financial services has given me an immensely rewarding career over nearly two decades. I have developed a deep appreciation for the positive impact financial services has on the world around us and it’s been a privilege to play a small part in that story.”

The CMO of HSBC UK is Becky Moffat, who has been in the position since 2021. The bank recently appointed London-based Elena McMurdo to the position of Global Head of Content Strategy and Content Centre of Excellence.

This came after it hired its first ever Global CMO, John McDonald, in October. It restructured at the end of 2024, splitting into four core divisions:  UK, Hong Kong, CIB and International Wealth and Premier Banking.