Session overview

On paper, Lucy-Marie Hagues leads one of the most complex and fast-moving parts of modern business. From credit risk and digital innovation, to major acquisitions and international expansion, her world is one of constant decision-making, shifting expectations and high accountability.

But behind the titles and responsibilities is also a very human story.

This session offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from Lucy-Marie about the journey behind the leadership role, from joining Capital One as a graduate engineer over 25 years ago, through moments of uncertainty, reinvention and growth, to now leading across the UK, Canada and the U.S. during a particularly fascinating and turbulent time in corporate America.

This will be a candid fireside conversation about leadership, judgement, resilience and staying grounded when the stakes are high and the pace never seems to slow down. Together, we’ll explore not just the commercial realities of modern leadership, but also the personal drivers, values and experiences that shape how leaders show up when things get difficult.

Key takeaways

In this session, Lucy-Marie will explore:

• Her journey from engineering graduate to international CEO leadership
• What it really feels like leading during periods of uncertainty, complexity and intense change
• Navigating corporate life in the U.S. and internationally during a particularly unpredictable period
• Balancing commercial performance with purpose, values and humanity
• Lessons learned from leading through financial shifts, regulatory pressure and organisational transformation
• Building confidence and judgement over time, including learning when not to have all the answers
• Creating products and experiences that genuinely improve people’s lives
• Honest reflections on ambition, resilience, self-doubt and personal growth along the way

Attendees will gain:

• A rare and honest insight into leadership at the sharp end of global business
• Practical reflections on decision-making, accountability and navigating ambiguity
• Inspiration from a leader whose journey has been built steadily over time, not overnight
• Space to hear the more personal side of leadership that often gets lost behind job titles
• The opportunity to ask candid questions in an open and thoughtful conversation

About the speaker

Lucy Hagues – EVP, UK CEO, Head of International, Discover Personal Loans & New to Credit

Lucy Hagues is Head of International, New to Credit, and Discover Personal Loans at Capital One. She was appointed CEO of Capital One UK in July 2020 and has steadily expanded her responsibilities since, including oversight of the Canadian business and, from 2025, leadership roles in the U.S. following Capital One’s acquisition of Discover Financial Services. She also serves as Chair of the Board for Capital One Europe PLC.

Lucy joined Capital One in 2000 as part of its graduate programme after studying engineering at Girton College, Cambridge. Over more than 25 years, she has held analytical and leadership roles across the business, including Chief Marketing Officer, where she played a key role in rebuilding Capital One’s marketing capability and developing award-winning customer initiatives. Her experience across credit, regulation and transformation has made her one of the organisation’s most senior and trusted leaders.

Who should attend?

This session is ideal for:

• Senior leaders and aspiring leaders
• CEOs, directors and heads of service
• Those interested in leadership, resilience and decision-making under pressure
• Anyone wanting a more honest and personal conversation about what leadership really looks like in practice

It will be particularly valuable for those navigating complexity, change and accountability in their own roles, and looking to hear from a leader who has built confidence and judgement over time.