ANZ has announced the appointment of Sohaib Mahmood as country head of its Fiji office, subject to required regulatory approvals.
He will take on the role in addition to his current responsibilities as Head of Commercial Banking, Pacific, according to a statement from the company.
Mr Mahmood has lived and worked in the Pacific since 2013 and brings more than 20 years of international banking experience having previously worked in London, Singapore and Melbourne.
ANZ regional executive Pacific Sarah Stubbings said his appointment reflected the bank’s commitment to continuity and deep regional expertise.
“Sohaib has spent more than a decade strengthening ANZ’s business across the Pacific,” she said.
“His deep understanding of our people, customers and regulators, along with his strong relationships across government and development partners, makes him the right leader for this next chapter.
“He is passionate about financial inclusion and economic development, and his experience will be invaluable as we continue supporting Fiji’s economic growth.
“I’m confident Sohaib will ensure continued stability, prudent risk management and strong engagement with the Reserve Bank of Fiji,” Ms Stubbings said.
Mr Mahmood’s leadership experience across the Pacific includes roles in Samoa, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, where he previously served as country head.
He currently leads a regional team of more than 200 staff supporting corporate, commercial, government and institutional clients across the Pacific.
Mr Mahmood said he was honoured to take on the leadership of ANZ Fiji.
“Fiji plays a vital role in ANZ’s Pacific network, and I’m humbled by the opportunity to lead our business here,” he said.
“I look forward to working closely with our customers, regulators, partners and communities as we continue to support Fiji’s economic ambitions.
“We have a strong, talented team in Fiji, and together we’ll continue delivering great outcomes for our customers and the broader economy.”
Over the coming weeks, Mr Mahmood will work closely with outgoing country head Rabih Yazbek to ensure a smooth transition.
Mr Yazbek will move to his new role as head of Client Coverage for the United Kingdom and Europe at the beginning of April.
