But our results suggest that HR plays a less prominent role when it comes to the development of strategy, the consideration of strategic options and other strategy areas, including acquisitions and mergers.

FORBES: Corporate Strategy: How HR Can Become a Player

NatWest will not say whether a divestiture is in the works, but it has hired Lazard Brothers, a mergers-and-acquisitions specialist, to help sort out its investment-banking strategy.

ECONOMIST: Barclays and NatWest

As head of strategy and corporate development, he is in charge of mergers and acquisitions, venture capital relationships and global strategic alliances.

FORBES: HP's Chief Strategy & Technical Officer Suddenly Steps Down or Was He Fired?