London, United Kingdom, July 2026 — Barclays has appointed Lynne Burns as Group Human Resources Director, bringing more than 30 years of HR leadership experience across global banking and professional services. In her new role, Lynne will lead Barclays’ global people strategy, focusing on talent, leadership development, organizational effectiveness, culture, and workforce transformation to support the bank’s vision of being the UK-centred leader in global finance.
Prior to joining Barclays, Lynne served as Chief People Officer at Linklaters, where she led the firm’s global people agenda, strengthening leadership capability, talent strategy, and organizational culture. Before that, she spent nearly seven years at HSBC, holding several senior HR leadership positions including Group Head of Talent, Head of HR – Global Commercial Banking & Global Banking & Markets, and Head of HR – HSBC UK. During her tenure, she directed global talent strategy for more than 200,000 employees across 60+ markets, led the transformation of global talent acquisition through AI-enabled talent intelligence, launched a new global employer brand, oversaw the establishment of HSBC’s Global Training Centre in China, and advised the Group Executive Committee and Board on succession planning, leadership pipelines, workforce transformation, and future skills.
Earlier in her career, Lynne spent more than 12 years with the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS), where she held several executive HR leadership roles including HR Director – Personal & Business Banking, Director – Organisation & Performance, Director – Group Talent, and HR Director – Group Functions & Non-Core. She played a key role in shaping people strategy, organizational design, executive succession, leadership development, remuneration, inclusion, and cultural transformation during one of the most significant periods of restructuring in the banking sector. Throughout her career, she has partnered closely with CEOs, executive committees, and boards to align people strategies with long-term business objectives.
With more than three decades of experience spanning talent management, leadership development, organizational transformation, succession planning, culture, and strategic workforce planning, Lynne has built an exceptional reputation as one of the financial services industry’s most accomplished HR leaders. Her appointment reinforces Barclays’ commitment to investing in people, developing future-ready leadership, and building a high-performing culture that supports sustainable business growth.
About Barclays
Barclays is a leading UK-centred global financial services institution with diversified businesses spanning UK Consumer Banking, Corporate Banking, Wealth & Private Banking, Investment Banking, and a specialist U.S. Consumer Bank. Serving millions of customers, businesses, and institutional clients worldwide, Barclays delivers innovative financial solutions while supporting economic growth and community development.
Driven by its vision to be the UK-centred leader in global finance, Barclays continues to invest in digital innovation, customer experience, leadership capability, and workforce transformation to create long-term value for customers, clients, shareholders, and society.
Read Also : When HR “Produces Nothing”: A Response to Jennifer Sey’s Anti-HR Vision
The Fine Balance: Navigating Work, Life, and Mental Wellbeing
Mind the Leadership Gap – From Learning to Real-World Impact
How the Adecco Group is empowering its employees for the future of work
