The Banking Executive Magazine - May 2026 Issue

Career Chronicle Tannir will be responsible for leading Citi’s MEA business across 59 mar- kets*, spearheading the client strat- egy, the firm’s regional franchise growth, and the engagement with regulators and key stakeholders. Known for his deep client relation- ships and longstanding credibility across both public and private sec- tors, he brings a combination of re- gional insight, global perspective, and execution discipline. Tannir most recently served as HSBC’s Head of Banking for the Mid- dle East, North Africa, and Türkiye. He previously spent more than 25 years at J.P. Morgan, where he held a number of senior leadership posi- tions, including Vice Chairman for EMEA. Tannir’s career highlights his multi-disciplinary expertise spanning corporate and investment banking, capital markets, strategic advisory, and his regional leadership. Ebru Pakcan will become Chief Op- erating Officer for International and Legacy Franchises, reflecting Citi’s continued focus on operational strength, scale, and disciplined exe- cution across its global network. In this role, Pakcan will oversee operat- ing effectiveness, governance, and the continued wind down of legacy businesses, while supporting growth in core franchises. Currently MEA Cluster and Banking Head, Pakcan has 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 in- ternational and product management experience, with a track record of ex- ecuting complex change across sen- ior global roles, including Global Head of Trade, Global Head of Pay- ments and Head of Treasury and Trade Solutions for EMEA. Mary McNiff, who is stepping away from her role as COO for Interna- tional and Legacy Franchises, will continue to lead Citi’s expanding firm wide policy simplification pro- gramme, a key priority to strengthen operating effectiveness, risk disci- pline, and scalability. “As cross border activity becomes more complex and more critical for our clients, the strength of our inter- national franchise matters more than ever,” said Ernesto Torres Cantú, Head of International at Citi. “Karim is one of the Middle East’s most re- spected banking leaders, with strong client relationships and deep re- gional insight. Alongside Ebru and Mary, this team enhances our ability to grow responsibly while maintain- ing rigorous risk and controls.” “The strength of our global banking franchise comes from the depth of experience across our leadership and the consistency with which we show up for clients,” said Vis Raghavan, Head of Banking. “Karim brings decades of trusted relationships across the Middle East. Our franchise in the region continues to perform with momentum, and we remain committed to the Middle East for the long term. Clients value stability, connectivity, and judgement and that is exactly what our global network is delivering.” ISSUE 209 MAY 2026 the BANKING EXECUTIVE 47