ANZ has announced the appointment of Sohaib Mahmood as the new Country Head for Fiji, pending regulatory approvals. This position will complement his current role as Head of Commercial Banking for the Pacific, underscoring the bank’s commitment to leadership continuity and regional expertise as it seeks to expand its footprint in the Pacific.
Mahmood, who has been involved in the Pacific since 2013, brings more than 20 years of international banking experience to this new role. His career features significant positions in major financial hubs such as London, Singapore, and Melbourne, and he has held senior leadership roles across various Pacific nations, including Samoa, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands, where he previously served as Country Head. Currently, he leads a regional team of over 200 staff members dedicated to a diverse clientele that includes corporate, commercial, government, and institutional clients throughout the Pacific region. ANZ believes that Mahmood’s extensive background positions him well to oversee its operations in Fiji.
Sarah Stubbings, Regional Executive Pacific at ANZ, noted that Mahmood’s appointment reflects the bank’s focus on fostering strong regional knowledge and building robust stakeholder relationships. She pointed out his commitment to financial inclusion and economic development, which are vital as ANZ continues to support Fiji’s growth.
Upon expressing his excitement about this new position, Mahmood recognized the importance of Fiji within ANZ’s Pacific network. He plans to work closely with the outgoing Country Head, Rabih Yazbek, to facilitate a smooth transition. Yazbek is set to take on his new role as Head of Client Coverage for the United Kingdom and Europe at the start of April.
With a legacy of over 140 years in the Pacific, ANZ remains dedicated to promoting the long-term development of Fiji and enhancing its impact in the region. This appointment signifies a hopeful step forward for both the bank and Fiji’s economic landscape.