HSBC appoints Cécile Ratcliffe as CEO of HSBC Continental Europe
18 MAR, 2026
HSBC has announced the appointment of Cécile Ratcliffe as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of HSBC Continental Europe, effective from June 1, 2026 and subject to regulatory approval. Ratcliffe will succeed Christopher Davies, who has been serving as interim CEO since January 1, 2026. Davies and Joseph Swithenbank will continue as Deputy General Managers of HSBC Continental Europe.
Under the leadership of Cécile Ratcliffe, HSBC Continental Europe will remain a key growth market for the group. The entity maintains its ambition to become a financing powerhouse and the international bank of reference for corporate and institutional clients, connecting Europe with the rest of the world.
The change in leadership seeks to ensure the continuity of the roadmap set during Christopher Davies' interim period, strengthening the capabilities of corporate and institutional banking and cross-border connectivity that constitute the axis of HSBC's value proposition in the region.
Professional career of Cécile Ratcliffe
Cécile Ratcliffe joined Citigroup in 1993 and has held several high-level positions: Chief Country Officer and Head of Banking in France (2021–2026), Head of Markets for France, Belgium and Luxembourg (2017–2021) and Chief Country Officer for Belgium (2015–2017).
She holds a degree in economics, finance and management from Sciences Po Paris, the University Paris I Panthéon-Sorbonne (D.E.A. in market finance and international banking strategy) and the Université Paris IX Dauphine.
I am pleased that Cécile is joining to lead the bank in Continental Europe and guide it in achieving its ambition. I would like to thank Chris for his outstanding work as interim CEO during this transition period.
Michael Roberts, CEO of HSBC Bank plc and CEO of Corporate and Institutional Banking at HSBC
It is an honor to join HSBC to lead the team in Continental Europe, as the bank continues to connect European clients with opportunities through HSBC's international network, and clients from other geographies with Europe.
Cécile Ratcliffe, CEO of HSBC Continental Europe
