This International Bank Appointed the First Emirati Woman CEO

Citibank, N.A. UAE Onshore Branch in the United Arab Emirates announced the appointment of Shamsa Al-Falasi as Chief Executive Officer. Shamsa will also take on the responsibilities of Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) UAE for all Citi firms that are based in the country and those that operate there offshore.

With over 20 years of experience at Citi, Al Falasi is an experienced banker. Before being appointed senior business and relationship manager for the Mena and Turkey area located in the UAE, she worked across numerous locations, including Dublin, London, and Sao Paulo.
 

Al-Falasi was appointed in 2015 as the GSG's (Global Subsidiaries Group) Head for the UAE and Iraq. In 2018, her role was expanded to include regional duties as the GSG's Head for the GCC and Iraq, based in the UAE. Shamsa has been the interim Citi Country Officer (CCO) and interim CEO of Citibank, N.A. UAE Onshore Branch since the beginning of 2023. Until a permanent hire is made, she will continue to serve as interim CCO.

"I am delighted to have the opportunity to be the first Emirati woman to lead Citi’s UAE onshore businesses and operations and contribute to the overall franchise performance. 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," Shamsa said. 

The CEO of Citi’s Middle East and Africa Cluster, Ebru Pakcan said, "This is a landmark appointment that testifies to Shamsa’s talent and leadership skills. Citi UAE is the bank's flagship franchise in the Middle East and Africa region offering a full spectrum of institutional banking and wealth management services, and with Shamsa’s elevation, I am sure the franchise will continue on a trajectory of growth and success.”