Marcus Agius joined the board of Barclays in September 2006 as a non-executive director and succeeded Matthew Barrett as chairman in January 2007.
He represents UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) - a Government department helping UK businesses internationally - and holds a number of positions in the financial sector.
His background in banking began in 1972 at Lazard, one of the world's leading financial advisory and asset management firms, where he worked until 2006, by which point he held the title of chairman in London.
He was also chairman of airports operator BAA up to that year.
Mr Agius, 65, is senior independent director of the BBC and chairman of the Trustees of The Royal Botanic Gardens.
He is chairman of the British Bankers' Association, a business ambassador for UKTI, and a member of the advisory council of TheCityUK, an independent body promoting the UK's financial services industries.
Mr Agius is also a member of the executive committee of the IIEB banking company and a member of the Takeover Panel, which protects the interests of shareholders during a takeover.
At Barclays he is chairman of the Board Corporate Governance and Nominations Committee, a member of the Board Remuneration Committee and chairman of the Board Citizenship Committee.
Sir Michael Rake, senior independent director of Barclays, is seen as Mr Agius' likely replacement as Barclays chairman.
Mr Agius earned an MA degree in Mechanical Sciences and Economics at Trinity Hall, Cambridge and holds an MBA from Harvard Business School.
His wife, Kate, is the daughter of Edmund de Rothschild and a member of the Rothschild banking family. They have two children.