Key Points:
- Citigroup promotes employees to 276 MDs, smallest since 2020
- Global, multi‑unit leadership cohort
- Aligned with restructuring and tech push
Citigroup has promoted 276 employees to managing director, the bank’s senior leadership rank just below the C-suite. This year’s class is about 20% smaller than the 344 promotions in 2024, making it the smallest MD cohort since 2020. The promotions reflect Citi’s ongoing efforts to strengthen leadership, accelerate growth, and advance its technology and operational initiatives.
The new managing directors span a range of business units, including 55 in markets, 45 in banking, 40 in wealth, and 33 in services, which support clients in moving and managing funds globally. Citigroup leadership highlighted the cohort’s contributions to driving performance, executing strategy, and supporting the bank’s transformation toward more AI-enabled operations and streamlined workflows.
Leadership Experience and Global Representation
The 2025 MD class brings extensive experience and global reach. Members have a median of 16 years at Citi and 20 years in the broader financial services industry. Nearly one-quarter joined the bank through early-career programs. The cohort represents 21 countries and 32 nationalities, with two-thirds fluent in multiple languages and 30% having worked in at least two Citi locations worldwide.
Geographically, almost half of the new managing directors (134) are based in North America. The UK hosts 18% of the class, while Japan, North Asia, and Australia account for nearly 10%, with the remaining directors spread across other regions.
Promotion Process and Company Strategy
Citigroup promotes employees has emphasized that the size of the managing director class varies annually based on skill and leadership needs, attrition, external hiring, and other strategic considerations. This year’s cohort was recognized for leading teams through a fast-moving environment and helping translate strategy into tangible results.
The promotions coincide with Citi’s multiyear efforts to simplify its organizational structure, enhance risk and control functions, and implement a large-scale technology transformation. Investment banking has seen a 23% year-over-year increase in fees in the third quarter, while Citi’s markets unit, which manages trading operations, experienced a 15% rise, highlighting strong business performance in key divisions.
Recognition and Onboarding
Citigroup promotes employees by marking the announcement with “roll call” gatherings across its business units, both in person and virtually. Executive management led the sessions to share advice, acknowledge achievements, and formally welcome the new managing directors into their leadership roles. This tradition emphasizes the bank’s commitment to developing strong leadership and recognizing contributions to the firm’s growth and strategic priorities.
