Barclays Corporate Banking Head of Travel Chris Lee is retiring today, after 18 years.

He began his career with Barclays 40 years ago, straight from school as an office junior at a local branch.

As well as being Head of Travel, he also held the role of Head of Professional Sports.

Early in his travel career, he set up the Barclays Travel Forum, which grew to become an annual must-attend, invite-only event.

Mr Lee posted on LinkedIn: “I never dreamt on my first day that I would have visited over 80 countries or watched a football match at all 92 league grounds.

“Two of my clients who own different large travel companies reminded me last week that they were 29 and 30 years old respectively when I first won their business and became their bank manager.

“Now 18 years on they are 47 and 48 without them ever having to get a new manager – until now!

“I have made a host of friends for life. Thank you to my network for all your support and help on my journey. I look forward to catching up with many of you over the summer and beyond.”