Mashreq appoints new Head of Retail Banking Group

Mashreq, one of the leading financial institutions announced the appointment of Farhad Irani as the new Head of Retail Banking. Irani’s extensive experience in the banking and finance sector in various international and leading institutions will play a major role towards achieving Mashreq’s retail plans.

Irani will be responsible to lead the retail banking business in the bank. Before joining Mashreq, Farhad held the post of General Manager at Paypal Asia, based in Singapore where he was responsible for the strategy and business development across 13 markets.

His Excellency Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, CEO of Mashreq commented on the appointment, “Farhad’s appointment comes in line with our efforts to attract high caliber of individuals to lead the bank’s operations. His in-depth and varied global banking experience makes him suitable to lead our retail operations corporate.  The coming period will witness extensive activities carried out as part of our strategy to grow and expand. Farhad’s experience in various markets will be key to execute and achieve our objectives in the near future.”

Previously, Irani worked in Standard Chartered Bank, Asia, leading two Group level positions: Credit Card and Personal Loans and Consumer Finance. He led the strategic direction setting for the two posts including all business components.

Irani said, “I am pleased to join one of the region’s leading financial institutions and become part of a bank that has been in practice for over 40 years. Mashreq has a solid reputation for continuous innovation and that is important to develop and compliment the banking segment in any country. Certainly, I look forward to join a team which is committed towards the overall growth of the bank and the retail banking in specific to overcome challenges and accomplish goals set before us.”

Prior, he was appointed as the Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at CitiFinancial Japan – CitiGroup.

Farhad has an extensive banking experience of 21 years in the financial industry. With various posts such as Managing Director and Chief Marketing Officer at Korea Exchange Bank, Country Head of Consumer Bank, Standard Chartered Bank – Indonesia, Head of Personal Bank, Standard Chartered Bank - Indonesia, Head of Bankcard Division India at Standard Chartered Bank and Area Director Personal Bank (Standard Chartered Bank), India.