Iman Abdel Khalek and Zain Zaidi Exit Citi
Advisor - People | May 08, 2025 | Zawya
Iman Abdel Khalek, the head of Debt Capital Markets for Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa (CEEMEA) at Citigroup has left the bank along with Zain Zaidi, the head of UK, Europe, and MEA Loans Products and Execution. Both were based in Dubai. According to sources, Abdel Khalek is joining Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) in a coverage role. Khalek's career at Citigroup spanned over two decades, showcasing a significant tenure at the firm. Zaidi, who joined Citigroup in 2007, is also leaving, but his future plans have not been disclosed. Citigroup, Abdel Khalek, and SMBC have not provided any comments regarding these executive changes, and Zaidi was unavailable for comment.
Sectors
- Finance
- Investment Banking
Geography
- United Arab Emirates – Both executives were based in Dubai, UAE, which is a central hub for financial operations in the Middle East.
- United Kingdom – The role of Zain Zaidi extended to UK, Europe, and MEA, highlighting the geographical scope of his responsibility.
Industry
- Finance – The departures involve senior positions in debt capital markets and loans banking, essential sectors within the finance industry.
- Investment Banking – Citigroup's debt capital markets and loans products and execution are prominent aspects of investment banking.
Financials
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iman Abdel Khalek | Head of Debt Capital Markets for CEEMEA | Person | Former head at Citigroup, joining SMBC. |
| Zain Zaidi | Head of UK, Europe, and MEA Loans Products and Execution | Person | A long-time banker at Citigroup who recently left. |
| Citigroup | Previous Employer | Company | A major global bank from which both executives have departed. |
| SMBC | New Employer | Company | Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, a Japanese bank, which Iman Abdel Khalek is joining. |