Mark O'Donovan Will Lead JPMorgan Human Resources
The veteran executive will relocate to New York to head the bank's human resources division starting in January 2027.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in People
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JPMorgan Chase announced that 30-year company veteran Mark O'Donovan will serve as the new head of human resources beginning in January 2027. He will succeed Robin Leopold, who plans to retire in the first quarter of 2027 after leading the department since 2018.
Why it matters
The transition marks a significant leadership change for the bank, as O'Donovan joins the operating committee to oversee personnel operations. This strategic move coincides with the departure of Leopold, who served the firm for 16 years.
Mark O'Donovan brings 30 years of experience to his new role, while outgoing executive Robin Leopold concludes a 16-year tenure at the bank. The firm has yet to disclose specific organizational policy adjustments following the transition.
The players
Mark O'Donovan
He is a long-term JPMorgan executive who will join the firm's operating committee as the new head of human resources.
Robin Leopold
She is the outgoing head of human resources who has worked at JPMorgan for 16 years.
Jamie Dimon
He is the chief executive officer of JPMorgan Chase who announced the leadership transition via internal memo.
Daniel Llano Manibardo
He is the incoming CEO of international consumer banking who will report to Troy Rohrbaugh.
Troy Rohrbaugh
He is a senior leader at JPMorgan Chase to whom Daniel Llano Manibardo will report in his new position.
The details
In an internal memo, CEO Jamie Dimon confirmed the appointment, noting that O'Donovan will relocate from London to New York to assume his new duties. Additionally, Daniel Llano Manibardo, based in Germany, will succeed O'Donovan as CEO of international consumer banking and report to Troy Rohrbaugh.
Timeline
Robin Leopold began leading human resources in 2018.
The appointment was announced via internal memo on September 29, 2026.
Mark O'Donovan begins his role as HR head in January 2027.
Robin Leopold plans to retire in the first quarter of 2027.
Market Landscape
This leadership shift reflects the bank's ongoing strategy of rotating long-tenured executives into key operational committee roles. It positions the firm to maintain internal continuity while addressing the needs of its international and domestic banking sectors.
Customers and employees may experience changes in internal management style and human resources initiatives as the new leadership takes office. These shifts are internal, but they often influence the long-term employee experience and corporate culture at the bank.
The takeaway
Large financial institutions frequently rely on decades-long veteran leaders to maintain stability during top-level personnel transitions. Readers can observe how such firms prioritize internal talent pipelines to ensure continuity in key corporate governance roles.
What happens next
Mark O'Donovan will officially assume his new role as head of human resources in January 2027, followed by the retirement of Robin Leopold in the first quarter of 2027.
Further reading
For more on organizational changes, visit the People section.
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