Citibank Appoints Shamsa Al Falasi as CEO of UAE Onshore Branch
Citibank, one of the largest multinational banks in the world, has announced the appointment of Shamsa Al Falasi as the CEO of its UAE Onshore Branch. Al Falasi, who has almost two decades of experience with the bank, will also assume the role of chief administrative officer (CAO) across all Citi entities operating onshore and offshore in the country.
Al Falasi's appointment marks a significant milestone for the UAE banking industry, as she becomes the first Emirati woman to lead Citi's UAE onshore businesses and operations. She joined the bank as a graduate in 2004 and has since worked across many geographies, including Dublin, London, and Sao Paulo, before being appointed as senior business and relationship manager for the Mena and Turkey region based in the UAE.
In 2015, Al Falasi was appointed as Head of the Global Subsidiaries Group (GSG) for the UAE and Iraq, a role that was expanded in 2018 to include regional responsibilities as Head of GSG in GCC and Iraq based in the UAE. Since the beginning of 2023, she has served as interim Citi Country Officer (CCO) and interim CEO of Citibank, N.A. UAE Onshore Branch.
Expressing her delight at the appointment, Al Falasi said, "We have a seasoned team in the country, and together we will continue to provide the highest standards of products and services to our clients."
Ebru Pakcan, CEO of Citi's Middle East and Africa Cluster, also hailed the appointment, calling it a "landmark appointment" that testifies to Al Falasi's talent and leadership skills. "With Shamsa's elevation, I am sure the franchise will continue on a trajectory of growth and success," Pakcan added.
As a leader in the banking industry, Citibank's appointment of Al Falasi highlights the growing importance of diversity and inclusion in corporate leadership roles. It also sends a powerful message to aspiring female leaders in the UAE and beyond that their talents and skills are valued and recognized.
To read more about Shamsa Al Falasi's appointment as CEO of Citibank's UAE Onshore Branch, visit the official announcement here: https://www.arabianbusiness.com/banking-finance/475932-citibank-appoints-first-emirati-woman-as-ceo-of-uae-onshore-branch
