HSBC's chief financial officer decided to leave the company after becoming impatient with the timetable for the chief executive job to open up, according to people familiar with the matter.

Ewen Stevenson, 56 years old, in recent months told board members he wanted to be HSBC’s CEO and didn’t want to wait too long, the people familiar with the matter said. The board was unwilling to provide timing for a change or an assurance that Stevenson would get the job, the people said. CEO Noel Quinn has said he plans to stay for several more years.