Head of MEA Business Execution
Role Summary
The Head of Middle East and Africa (MEA) Business Execution is a senior management-level position responsible for driving business management, governance and controls, and the execution of the growth strategy of Citi's MEA Cluster. Reporting to the MEA Cluster & Banking Head, this role partners closely with the International Chief Operating Officer (COO) team and the MEA Senior Leadership Team to translate the cluster strategy into disciplined execution across a diverse and complex set of markets. The role carries significant accountability for the overall business management, risk and control oversight, regulatory coordination, and organizational effectiveness across the Cluster, ensuring Citi operates with best-in-class governance while capturing growth opportunities across the region. As a C16 Managing Director, the incumbent is expected to operate as a trusted strategic advisor and a visible leader, representing the Cluster across internal committees, regulatory engagements, and cross-functional forums. This individual will be instrumental in embedding a strong culture of accountability, control, and execution discipline throughout the MEA franchise.
Scope & Impact
This role carries Cluster-wide scope across the Middle East and Africa (26 presence countries and 33 Hub-Managed Countries) and partners with all business lines within Citi's International franchise. The role has direct influence over the MEA Cluster business management, governance, and control outcomes for a significant and strategically important cluster within Citi's Global network, with accountability for safeguarding Citi's reputation, regulatory standing, and operational resilience. The incumbent works in close coordination with global and cluster functional partners (Finance, Risk, Compliance, HR, Legal, Internal Audit) and senior business leaders, exercising cross-functional influence beyond direct reporting lines. Decisions and recommendations made in this role have material implications for the Cluster's financial performance, regulatory relationships, and long-term strategic positioning. The incumbent plays a key role in defining optimised target operating models for the MEA cluster countries and drives the adoption of Citi approved Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the design and execution of the MEA Cluster's business management agenda, translating strategic priorities into actionable operating plans and tracking delivery against key milestones
Drive financial planning, resource allocation, and capacity management processes across the Cluster in partnership with Finance, ensuring alignment with overall Banking & International objectives
Oversee the Cluster's governance architecture, including chairing or supporting key governance forums, ensuring consistent, well-documented decision-making and escalation protocols
Coordinate and manage regulatory interactions and submissions across MEA jurisdictions, serving as a senior point of contact to support CCOBHs in local regulatory franchise-wide matters
Partner with Risk, Compliance, Legal, and Internal Audit to maintain a robust risk and control environment, proactively identifying emerging risks and driving timely remediation of control gaps
Sponsor high-priority strategic initiatives and lead special initiatives on behalf of the MEA Cluster & Banking Head, coordinating cross-business and cross-functional workstreams to ensure timely delivery
Prepare Board, CEO, and senior management deliverables, including Cluster Performance reviews, business reviews, and ad hoc executive materials
Drive process improvement and operational efficiency initiatives across the Cluster, identifying opportunities to streamline processes
Manage competitive intelligence and market analysis processes, providing insights on market sizing, competitor positioning, and franchise performance to inform strategic decision-making
Lead the coordination of internal…