Citi has announced a fresh set of senior leadership appointments across its Banking & International franchise, signalling a sharper push to deepen cross-border capabilities and regional execution. The changes, effective August, will be based across London and Dubai and aim to reinforce the bank’s global connectivity and client-first strategy.
Karim Tannir to Lead Middle East & Africa Banking Operations
Karim Tannir will join Citigroup as Head of Banking and Cluster Lead for the Middle East and Africa (MEA), operating out of Dubai. With over three decades of regional experience, Tannir brings strong relationships across governments, corporates, and financial institutions.
He will oversee Citi’s operations across 59 markets, while also driving regional growth, client strategy, and regulatory engagement. Notably, his appointment aligns with Citi’s ambition to strengthen its advisory and capital markets presence in high-growth economies.
Previously, Tannir served as Head of Banking for the Middle East, North Africa, and Türkiye at HSBC. Before that, he spent more than 25 years at JPMorgan Chase, where he held several senior roles, including Vice Chairman for EMEA. As a result, he brings deep expertise in investment banking, strategic advisory, and capital markets.
Ebru Pakcan Moves to Global COO Role
Meanwhile, Ebru Pakcan will transition to Chief Operating Officer for Citi’s International and Legacy Franchises. In this role, she will focus on operational efficiency, governance, and the continued wind-down of non-core businesses.
Pakcan has led Citi’s MEA business for the past five years. During this period, she delivered consistent double-digit growth and strengthened the bank’s footprint across the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia. Moreover, her prior roles—including Global Head of Trade and Global Head of Payments—highlight her deep operational and product expertise.
Mary McNiff to Lead Policy Simplification Programme
Mary McNiff will step away from her COO role but will continue to lead Citi’s firm-wide policy simplification initiative. This programme remains critical as the bank works to improve scalability, reduce complexity, and strengthen risk controls.
Strategic Focus: Connectivity, Clients, and Control
According to Ernesto Torres Cantú, Head of International at Citi, the appointments reflect the growing importance of seamless cross-border banking. He emphasised that the bank is enhancing its leadership depth to better support clients operating in increasingly complex global markets.
Similarly, Vis Raghavan, Head of Banking, noted that Citi’s strength lies in its consistent client engagement and experienced leadership team. He added that the bank remains committed to long-term growth in the Middle East.
Citi’s Global Footprint and Market Position
Citigroup continues to position itself as a leading global banking partner for institutions with cross-border needs. The bank operates in more than 180 countries and offers services spanning corporate banking, investment banking, wealth management, and transaction services.
