HSBC’s search for a new remuneration committee chairman has led them to a man who knows a thing or two about boards and rewards – Sir Simon Robertson, a City of London veteran and member of this year’s Sunday Times Rich List.

The 72-year-old deputy chairman and non-executive of HSBC was chosen to succeed John Thornton, who is stepping down at today's AGM. It is his latest move in an illustrious career for Robertson, which has taken him from the playing fields of Eton to the boardrooms of major international companies.