The senior executive takes on a new role, according to an internal memo shared with finews.asia, after two decades with Citi's equities and markets unit.

Citi has appointed Andrea Fletcher as its chief operating officer for Asia, finews.asia has learned.

In the newly created role based in Hong Kong, Fletcher will help drive Citi's efforts to grow the regional franchise. She will also join the Asia Operating Committee, the announcement said.

The COO appointment follows the confirmation of Citi's new chief for the region, Peter Babej, after the regional helm was held for six months by interim head Tim Monger, who will resume his sole chief financial officer role. 

Champion for Diversity

According to her LinkedIn profile, Fletcher joined Citi in 1999 as director of equity and research sales, based in Sydney. Her 20-year career at the bank is split almost equally between Australia and Hong Kong, with her most recent role being managing director and global head of client strategy, equities and prime finance.

She helped establish the Citi Women’s Network in Hong Kong and Australia, while also playing an active role in Citi's diversity, recruiting, mentoring and leadership development efforts both internally and externally with the bank's clients.