LONDON, July 19 -- HSBC has relaunched its global search for a new chair after failing to finalise a shortlist from an initial pool of more than 100 candidates.

The bank, which is Europe's largest lender, is trying to replace Sir Mark Tucker, who will step down in October to chair AIA, with people familiar saying the recruitment process had been slow, the Financial Times reported.

Executives considered by HSBC include Zurich Insurance Group CEO Mario Greco, Goldman Sachs' Kevin Sneader and Richard Gnodde, and former Lloyd's of London chair Bruce Carnegie-Brown.

However, several candidates approached were either unavailable or declined the role, with Zurich confirming Greco "immediately said no" after being contacted by a headhunter.

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