ANZ has announced the appointment of Sohaib Mahmood as the new Country Head for Fiji, pending the necessary regulatory approvals. Mahmood, who has lived and worked in the Pacific since 2013, brings over two decades of international banking expertise to the role. He will assume this new position while continuing his current duties as Head of Commercial Banking for the Pacific region.
With prior experience in London, Singapore, and Melbourne, Mahmood has held various leadership roles in countries across the Pacific, including Samoa, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands. His background as a former Country Head has equipped him with a thorough understanding of the region’s regulatory landscape, economic dynamics, and customer requirements.
In a statement regarding his appointment, Mahmood expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “Fiji plays a vital role in ANZ’s Pacific network, and I’m humbled by the opportunity to lead our business here. I look forward to working closely with our customers, regulators, partners, and communities as we continue to support Fiji’s economic ambitions.” He highlighted the strength of the team in Fiji, emphasizing their collective goal to deliver positive outcomes for customers and contribute to the broader economy.
Sarah Stubbings, the Regional Executive for ANZ Pacific, praised Mahmood’s leadership and the continuity it represents for the bank. She noted his extensive experience strengthening ANZ’s presence across the Pacific, underlining his deep understanding of the needs of customers, regulators, and partners. Stubbings also acknowledged Mahmood’s commitment to financial inclusion and economic development, which will be crucial as the bank continues to support Fiji’s growth. She expressed confidence that Mahmood would uphold stability, prudent risk management, and maintain strong engagement with the Reserve Bank of Fiji.
In the coming weeks, Mahmood will collaborate closely with the outgoing Country Head, Rabih Yazbek, to ensure a seamless transition. ANZ remains dedicated to Fiji’s long-term development, backed by over 140 years of service in the Pacific, reinforcing its commitment to fostering economic growth in the region.