ANZ has officially announced the appointment of Sohaib Mahmood as the Country Head for Fiji, pending the necessary regulatory approvals. Mahmood will take on this new role while continuing his current responsibilities as Head of Commercial Banking for the Pacific region.
Having lived and worked in the Pacific since 2013, Mahmood brings over 20 years of international banking experience, with previous positions in London, Singapore, and Melbourne. His extensive leadership roles across the Pacific, including his time as Country Head in Samoa, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands, grant him valuable insight into the region’s regulatory framework and the economic landscape.
Currently overseeing a regional team of more than 200 employees that support a diverse array of clients, including corporate, commercial, government, and institutional sectors across the Pacific, Mahmood is well-positioned to effectively lead ANZ Fiji.
According to Sarah Stubbings, ANZ’s Regional Executive for the Pacific, Mahmood’s appointment reflects the bank’s dedication to continuity and its in-depth regional knowledge. She stated, “Sohaib has spent more than a decade strengthening ANZ’s business across the Pacific. His strong relationships with customers, regulators, and government entities make him the ideal leader for this next chapter in our journey.”
Mahmood expressed his enthusiasm for the role, stating, “Fiji plays a vital role in ANZ’s Pacific network, and I’m humbled by the opportunity to lead our business here.” He emphasized his commitment to working closely with various stakeholders to support Fiji’s economic goals.
To ensure a seamless transition, Mahmood will collaborate with the outgoing Country Head, Rabih Yazbek, who will take up a new position as Head of Client Coverage for the United Kingdom and Europe starting in April.
ANZ’s long-term commitment to Fiji is steadfast, bolstered by over 140 years of service in the Pacific region. This change in leadership is a positive step towards further enhancing the bank’s support for economic growth in Fiji and demonstrates a commitment to fostering financial inclusion within the community.

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