The Citibank N.A. (Citi) on Thursday announced that Arif Usmani has been appointed Pakistan Country Officer and Managing Director, replacing long time Country Head Zubyr Socorro, says a press release.
Arif Usmani started his career with Citi Pakistan in 1981 and has more than 26 years of international banking experience most of which has been with Citi across several geographies and disciplines. Arif has also been associated with Saudi Arabia's second largest bank, the Samba Financial Group, in Riyadh over two assignments during the periods 1989-1993 and 2002-2007. His last position in Samba was the chief risk officer.
Arif held senior risk positions at Citi Hong Kong and Singapore besides serving as Country Officer for Citi in Slovakia where he is credited with greatly developing the business before taking over as Country Head Citi for Nigeria, and Regional Head for West Africa the latter role involving management of the Citi's franchises in Nigeria, Cote D'ivoire, Cameroon, Gabon, the Republic of Congo as well as Senegal.
Mohammed Al-Shroogi, managing director for the Middle East, Pakistan and Egypt region, said: "The Pakistani market carries much potential for Citi. Arif's diverse experience and strong local exposure position him well for this important mission and ensure to take the bank into new phases of expansion across all business lines."
Delighted to return to Pakistan, Usmani said: "I am delighted to work in Pakistan with a great team of professionals and to run a mature business that has been diligently built over the past five decades. Together with the Pakistan team, we will continue to provide the highest standards of banking service to our clients and to fulfil our role as an active member of the Pakistani banking community.
"Citi has not only demonstrated its commitment to developing banking and financial services in Pakistan over the last 47 years, but is also actively engaged in community-driven activities which includes support of micro-finance development, education and financial literacy through Citi Foundation.-PR