Barclays' Harding steps down after 10 years as GC

According to a statement from the bank, the pair will remain in their roles until successors have been appointed. Barclays is already looking for replacements, but has said that it could take “a considerable time to complete.” Harding’s next movements are not yet known.

Harding joined Barclays from Clifford Chance in 2003 (16 May 2003). The Lawyer interviewed Harding about his role at Barclays in 2005 (4 July 2005).

Antony Jenkins, group CEO, said: “Chris and Mark both expressed to me late last year that they were considering stepping down from their roles at Barclays. The rationale which each shared with me was consistent and, typically, grounded in wanting to do what is best for the bank. Their decision to retire was theirs alone.

“Barclays is at an inflection point in our journey towards becoming the ‘Go-To’ Bank. We will shortly unveil the outcome of our strategic review, to which they have both made a major contribution. The execution of our change programme will take place over the next five to 10 years, and both Chris and Mark feel that now is the right time for them, personally and professionally, to pass the baton on in their respective roles to executives who can commit to seeing that programme to completion.

“Chris and Mark have given tremendous service to Barclays. The chairman, the board and all my executive committee colleagues and I shall be very sorry to see them go. I know they join me in recognising the quality of their contributions, the sacrifices they have both made in what have often been challenging times, and their unfailing collegiality. We will continue to rely on them very greatly in the coming months.”

In a statement, Harding said: “This year marks 10 years since I joined Barclays as group general counsel. We are starting a new period of the bank’s development under Antony’s leadership. I wholeheartedly support the direction of travel and have no doubt that great success lies ahead. While it will be an exciting journey, I believe it also provides an obvious transition point, and one which I have decided to take. I shall be sad to say goodbye to Barclays when the time comes but the bank, and my colleagues, will always have my support and best wishes.”