Citi has hired veteran banker Karim Tannir as its Middle East and Africa cluster and banking head. The move is part of a series of senior appointments between Dubai and London to strengthen the bank's international franchise, Citi said.
Based in Dubai, Tannir will oversee Citi’s MEA business across 59 markets, "spearheading the client strategy, the firm's regional franchise growth, and the engagement with regulators and key stakeholders."
He has more than 30 years of experience in the region and most recently served as HSBC’s Head of Banking for the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey. He previously spent over 25 years at J.P. Morgan including in senior leadership roles.
Tannir will succeed Ebru Pakcan, who has been appointed Chief Operating Officer for International and Legacy Franchises, while Mary McNiff will keep leading the lender's "expanding firm-wide policy simplification programme".
Erbu Pakcan led the region for the last five years, delivering double-digit growth while entrenching Citi’s position as the leading international bank across the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia. She brings deep international and product management experience, with a track record of executing complex change across senior global roles, including Global Head of Trade, Global Head of Payments and Head of Treasury and Trade Solutions for EMEA.
Mary McNiff, who is stepping away from her role as COO for International and Legacy Franchises, will continue to lead Citi’s expanding firm‑wide policy simplification programme, a key priority to strengthen operating effectiveness, risk discipline, and scalability.
"As cross-border activity becomes more complex and more critical for our clients, the strength of our international franchise matters more than ever,” Ernesto Torres Cantú, Citi's head of international, said in the statement.
"Our franchise in the region continues to perform with momentum, and we remain committed to the Middle East for the long term,” said Vis Raghavan, Citi's head of banking.
The appointments will be effective in August.
