JPMorgan Chase has appointed Mark O’Donovan as its next head of human resources, effective January 2027. He will succeed Robin Leopold, who is set to retire in the first quarter after leading HR since 2018 and spending more than 16 years at the bank.
Leopold is credited with steering the organisation through the pandemic, geopolitical changes, and the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI). Her tenure highlighted the importance of workforce resilience and adaptability in a fast changing global environment.
O’Donovan, currently CEO of international consumer banking, will relocate from London to New York and join the bank’s operating committee. His career at JPMorgan spans three decades, with leadership roles including chief financial officer of the Commercial & Investment Bank, CEO of Chase Home Lending, and CEO of Chase Auto. His appointment reflects the bank’s view that HR leadership requires not just people expertise but also deep operational and business experience.
Daniel Llano Manibardo, currently head of international consumer banking for Germany, will step into O’Donovan’s current role and report to Troy Rohrbaugh, ensuring continuity in the consumer banking division.
With AI reshaping work and skills, HR strategy at JPMorgan is being elevated to the same level as core business operations. The planned succession, announced months in advance, signals stability and confidence to staff, clients and markets.
The move highlights a broader trend in global finance: people strategy and technology integration are increasingly inseparable, and HR leadership is central to shaping how employees adapt, perform, and grow in this new environment.