ANZ has announced the appointment of Sohaib Mahmood as the new Country Head for Fiji, subject to regulatory approval. Mahmood is currently the Head of Commercial Banking for the Pacific and will expand his role to oversee ANZ’s operations in Fiji. With over two decades of international banking experience and a career in the Pacific that began in 2013, he is well-prepared to take on this new challenge.
His background in the Pacific includes significant positions in Samoa, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands, where he previously served as Country Head. This experience provides Mahmood with a comprehensive understanding of the regional regulatory frameworks, economic conditions, and customer needs, making him an ideal candidate to lead ANZ Fiji.
Sarah Stubbings, the Regional Executive for the Pacific at ANZ, commended Mahmood’s appointment, underlining the bank’s commitment to stability and regional expertise. She pointed out that Mahmood has spent considerable time strengthening ANZ’s footprint in the Pacific and has established strong relationships with government and development partners, positioning him well to guide the bank’s initiatives in Fiji. Stubbings also emphasized Mahmood’s dedication to financial inclusion and economic growth, which will be essential for advancing Fiji’s development.
Upon accepting his new role, Mahmood expressed enthusiasm about his responsibilities, acknowledging the significance of Fiji in ANZ’s broader Pacific operations. He is looking forward to collaborating with customers, regulators, partners, and local communities to promote Fiji’s economic goals. Mahmood praised the skilled team in Fiji, reiterating his objective to achieve positive outcomes for customers and the economy.
In preparation for his new position, Mahmood will work closely with the outgoing Country Head, Rabih Yazbek, to ensure a smooth transition. Yazbek will be moving into a new role as Head of Client Coverage for the United Kingdom and Europe in early April.
ANZ’s long-standing commitment to the development of Fiji, supported by more than 140 years of service in the Pacific, bodes well for the region’s future under Mahmood’s leadership. His appointment highlights the bank’s continuous efforts to foster economic progress and build lasting relationships within the community.