Shake-up at Barclays high command

Mr Throsby was drafted in two years ago from JP Morgan to run the corporate and investment bank, and he will depart amid an overhaul of the division.

It will see the unit split into three - global banking, global markets and corporate banking - each with its own head reporting directly to chief executive Jes Staley.

The bank boss said that the corporate and investment bank is “not yet where we need it to be” and needs to show higher returns.

He said: “I believe we need a more granular execution focus on the businesses within the corporate and investment bank if we are to drive those returns, in a reasonable time frame, towards and above that cost of capital.

“And so I have decided to change the leadership model for that business, delayering the organisation in order to bring oversight and accountability for the performance of the corporate and investment bank much closer to me as the group CEO.”

The move comes amid a tussle with activist investor Edward Bramson who, through his investment vehicle Sherborne, holds a 5.5 per cent stake in Barclays. Mr Bramson wants a board seat and to curtail its investment banking arm.

Mr Staley and outgoing chairman John McFarlane have rejected his vision, saying the activist’s interests are “not aligned” with those of the bank or of long-term shareholders.

Mr Staley said: “Tim joined Barclays in January of 2017, and over the past two years has made a significant contribution to the progress of Barclays international, particularly in the corporate and investment bank, but also in the development of our international consumer businesses. We wish him well for the future.”

Mr Staley will also become head of the legal group that houses the investment bank and the non-UK business.