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# Citi Appoints Karim Tannir as Middle East and Africa Cluster and Banking Head Based in Dubai
- URL: https://www.theglobalbanker.com/citi-appoints-karim-tannir-mea-cluster-banking-head-dubai/
- Published: 2026-04-29T18:46:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-11T22:36:09.000Z
- Description: Citi has hired HSBC's head of banking for the Middle East, North Africa and Türkiye, Karim Tannir as its Middle East and Africa Cluster and Banking Head, based in Dubai from August 2026.
- Author: TGB Editorial Team
- Tags: Executive Moves, MENA, Africa

Citi has appointed Karim Tannir as Middle East and Africa Cluster and Banking Head, based in Dubai and with effect from August 2026\. Ernesto Torres Cantú, Citi's head of International, described Mr Tannir as "one of the Middle East's most respected banking leaders, with strong client relationships and deep regional insight".

Mr Tannir will be responsible for Citi's business across 59 markets in the Middle East and Africa cluster, according to the press release announcing the move. He joins the US bank from HSBC, where he most recently served as head of banking for the Middle East, North Africa and Türkiye, and takes up the role as part of a series of appointments to strengthen Citi's Banking and International franchise.

#### THREE DECADES IN THE REGION

Mr Tannir brings more than 30 years of experience in the Middle East and Africa to the role, having advised governments, corporates, financial institutions and sovereign entities on major strategic and financing transactions. Before HSBC he spent more than 25 years at J.P. Morgan, where his senior roles included vice chairman for EMEA.

Vis Raghavan, Citi's head of Banking, said Mr Tannir "brings decades of trusted relationships across the Middle East". 

He succeeds Ebru Pakcan, who has led Citi's Middle East and Africa region for five years and will become chief operating officer for International and Legacy Franchises, based in London.

#### PART OF A WIDER LEADERSHIP REFRESH

Citi said the appointment formed part of a series of moves to strengthen the Banking and International franchise.

Mr Tannir will take up his responsibilities in August 2026\.