ANZ has announced the appointment of Sohaib Mahmood as its new Country Head for Fiji, pending regulatory approvals. This new role will complement Mahmood’s existing position as Head of Commercial Banking for the Pacific.
The appointment signifies ANZ’s commitment to leadership continuity and regional expertise as the bank seeks to broaden its presence in the Pacific. Mahmood has been deeply rooted in the Pacific since 2013 and brings over 20 years of international banking experience to the position.
His career includes significant roles in London, Singapore, and Melbourne, where he has held senior leadership positions in various Pacific nations, including Samoa, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands, where he previously served as Country Head. Currently, he manages a regional team of more than 200 staff members who support a range of clients, including corporate, commercial, government, and institutional clients across the Pacific. ANZ believes Mahmood’s extensive experience equips him well for overseeing its operations in Fiji.
Sarah Stubbings, Regional Executive Pacific at ANZ, emphasized that Mahmood’s appointment reflects the bank’s dedication to strong regional knowledge and stakeholder relationships. She highlighted his commitment to financial inclusion and economic development, which will be crucial as ANZ continues to foster Fiji’s growth.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the role, Mahmood acknowledged the significance of Fiji within ANZ’s Pacific network. In the coming weeks, he will collaborate with the outgoing Country Head, Rabih Yazbek, to ensure a seamless transition. Yazbek is set to assume his new position as Head of Client Coverage for the United Kingdom and Europe at the beginning of April.
With over 140 years of dedicated service in the Pacific, ANZ remains focused on supporting the long-term development of Fiji and strengthening its impact within the region.