The former CEO of HSBC Bank Malta, Chris Hothersall, has passed away. As a sign of respect, all HSBC flags on its branches and offices were flown at half-mast yesterday.

Mr Hothersall was appointed CEO in August 2002, following the retirement of outgoing CEO Tom Robson. Mr Hothersall’s last position prior to his Malta appointment was as deputy chief executive officer with HSBC in India.

An honours graduate in economics, Mr Hothersall had been a long-term career banker within the HSBC Group, having joined the bank in September 1974. During his long and distinguished career, he occupied a number of important posts within the group in various geographical locations. His career led him to many different countries including Hong Kong, the UK, Indonesia, the Bahamas, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon and India.

“The many HSBC colleagues and Maltese customers he met during his stay in Malta bear testimony to the professionalism and dedication that Mr Hothersall demonstrated during his term as HSBC Malta’s CEO. For his part, Mr Hothersall had considered his Malta appointment as an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Our thoughts are with Mr Hothersall’s family at this difficult time,” said HSBC Malta chief executive officer Shaun Wallis.