Citigroup has a new banking head in South Africa

Citigroup has hired André Ross from JPMorgan Chase & Co as its Country Officer and Banking Head for South Africa.

“In his new role, André Ross will act as the lead Citi executive in South Africa,” the lender said in an emailed statement. “He brings over 20 years of international experience in corporate investment banking and development finance.”

Ross most recently held the position of managing director and head of global corporate banking for sub-Saharan Africa at JPMorgan, and has previously held senior positions at Barclays Plc and Absa Group Ltd. He replaces Peter Taylor as the head of Citigroup in South Africa.

“This leadership appointment highlights Citi’s commitment to the South African market, a strategic hub for its sub-Saharan Africa operations,” Citigroup said in the statement.

South Africa’s banking sector has seen a number of high-level moves in recent months, with Deutsche Bank AG’s country head moving to Absa, which has also poached several dealmakers from Standard Bank Group Ltd.

Citigroup’s presence in South Africa dates back to 1920, and the lender has become the largest foreign bank in Africa’s biggest economy, it said. Ross brings expertise across the corporate and public sectors in strategy and coverage.