Former Citi executive Julia Carreon has filed a significant lawsuit against the banking giant, alleging that a pervasive culture of sexual discrimination ultimately compelled her to resign. Carreon, who served as the global head of platform and experiences for Citi Wealth, claims that she faced intense sexual harassment from Andy Sieg, a senior leader within the bank, which severely damaged her reputation and professional standing.
In her lawsuit, filed in Manhattan federal court, Carreon accuses Sieg of orchestrating a campaign of egregious harassment, asserting that he manipulated fellow employees into believing that she was involved in a sexual relationship with him. This behavior, according to Carreon, poisoned her reputation and created a toxic work environment that culminated in her departure from the company in the summer of 2024.
Citi has responded firmly to the allegations, denying any merit to the claims and asserting that Carreon had not raised concerns regarding race or sex discrimination during her employment. Additionally, the bank filed a petition to compel arbitration in Texas, arguing that Carreon must adhere to their policy requiring disputes to be resolved through arbitration, rather than litigation.
Carreon’s legal counsel, Linda Friedman, characterized the bank’s actions as an intimidation tactic meant to discredit her accusations. In a LinkedIn post, Carreon mentioned that she spent considerable time trying to resolve the situation privately but felt compelled to take legal action after her efforts were rebuffed.
Having joined Citi after a lengthy tenure at Wells Fargo, where she held a senior role, Carreon claims her troubles began even before Sieg’s arrival. She reports experiencing hostility and disrespect from some male colleagues and alleges that male leaders in the organization contributed to her exit.
The lawsuit not only sheds light on Carreon’s experiences but also highlights broader issues within Citi, echoing a similar case involving Ardith Lindsey, a managing director in the bank’s equities market division. Lindsey also claims to have endured a hostile work environment and unlawful discrimination while alleging coerced relationships with male supervisors.
The latest allegations against Sieg follow previous reports of investigations into his conduct, revealing a pattern of complaints from colleagues regarding his behavior. As Citi’s leadership navigates these pressing accusations, CEO Jane Fraser continues to endorse Sieg’s contributions to the bank, responding positively to his efforts in reforming the wealth business despite the allegations.
Carreon’s case, along with Lindsey’s, marks a pivotal moment for accountability in corporate environments, raising critical questions about workplace culture and the treatment of women in leadership roles. Carreon is also expected to file a charge of discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, indicating that her pursuit of justice and equitable treatment is far from over.