Citigroup creates regional, global units

Citigroup said on Monday it was creating regional banking units as well as global credit card and consumer banking organisations, as the banking giant seeks to become more nimble.

The reorganisation is a major move for Vikram Pandit, who was named as chief executive of Citigroup in December. He replaced Charles Prince, who left in November under pressure from shareholders frustrated by the bank's performance.

"Our new organisational model marks a further important step along the path we are pursuing to make Citi a simpler, leaner and more efficient organisation," Pandit said in a statement.

In January, Citi announced plans to raise $14.5 billion (Dh53.2bn), slash its dividend and cut 4,200 jobs to shore up its balance sheet after a write-down for mortgages led to a $9.83bn quarterly loss.

With the aim of bringing decision making closer to customers, Citi is creating regional units, each headed by a chief executive. The regional CEOs will report directly to Pandit and will be empowered to make decisions on the ground, the company said.

Asia Pacific will be led by Ajay Banga; William Mills will head Western Europe, Middle East and Africa; Shirish Apte will oversee the Central and Eastern European region and Manuel Medina Mora will continue to lead Mexico and Latin America, Citi said.

Citi also reorganised its consumer group into global consumer banking and credit-card businesses.

Teresa Dial, 58, credited with reviving Lloyd's TSB Group's British retail banking operations, has been appointed chief executive of Citi's consumer banking operations in North America. She will also be global head of consumer strategy.

Steven Freiberg will be CEO of Global Cards, which combines Citi's US and international credit-card businesses, the company said. (Reuters)