[1/2] Chief Financial Officer of HSBC Georges Elhedery poses for a photo in this undated handout picture.
It’s also surprised investors and raised questions about HSBC’s direction.
Known at HSBC (HSBA.L) for his strategic vision more than for his accounting skills, Elhedery has climbed the ranks of HSBC’s investment bank since joining in 2005.
"It was a surprise to us,” said Hugh Young, Asia chairman of Aberdeen Standard Investments, one of HSBC's top 25 shareholders.
CEO Noel Quinn has done a good job but investors are impatient for faster progress, Young said.