CORRECTED (OFFICIAL)-Barclaycard CEO to leave bank to pursue "new professional challenge"

(Corrects spelling to "Soranno" from "Sorranno" throughoutafter Barclays issues amended statement)

LONDON, May 12 (Reuters) - Barclays said on Tuesdaythat Val Soranno Keating, the CEO of its Barclaycard business,has decided to leave to pursue a new professional challengeoutside the British bank.

The lender said Amer Sajed, CEO of Barclaycard's U.S. unit,will take interim charge of the global business while aninternal and external search for a successor to Soranno Keatingis conducted.

"Val has made a significant contribution to the growth anddevelopment of Barclaycard during her five years leading thebusiness. Val is leaving a strong legacy which is clear in thefinancial performance and trajectory of the business," AntonyJenkins, Group Chief Executive, said in a statement. (Reporting By Sinead Cruise, editing by Pamela Barbaglia)