Citi appoints Christine Lam as COO for China

Predecessor Andrew Au steps down in June.

Citi has announced the appointment of Christine Lam as Citi Country Officer (COO) for China, effective June 2016.

According to a release from Citi, in this role, Lam will oversee all of Citi’s businesses and franchise operations in China and will be responsible for maintaining the firm’s regulatory and governance standards. She will report to Francisco Aristeguieta, CEO of Citi Asia Pacific. Lam succeeds Andrew Au who is retiring from Citi on June 1, 2016.

Lam is a 33-year Citi veteran, whose previous role was Head of Operations and Technology for Asia Pacific, where Citi has located many global operations and technology functions including O&T centers of excellence in China, India, Malaysia, Philippines and Singapore. She has also previously served as Country Business Manager for Hong Kong and Macau and as Chief Operating Officer for Asia Global Banking. Lam will continue as a member of Citi’s Asia Pacific Operating Committee.

Here's more from Citi:

“Christine brings extensive experience and knowledge across our client businesses and operations to this important role, and is well-qualified to lead and
grow our China franchise. The China market is a strategic priority for Citi, where we have built one of our largest and most diversified businesses, which is well positioned for future growth, “said Mr. Aristeguieta. 

“I would also like to thank Andrew for his significant contributions to building our China business during his eight years as CCO for the market. He has overseen the build out of our organic growth strategy and the embedding our global business strategy in the market,” added Mr. Aristeguieta.

Citi first established business in China in 1902 and now employs 8,000 staff in the country providing services to retail and institutional clients. The bank has also opened China desks around the world to support Chinese companies in the over 100 countries and territories that Citi operates in. Citi was also the first global bank in China to launch its own branded credit card in September 2012.