HROSTRUM NEWSDESK | Mumbai, June 4, 2025 — In a strategic HR shift, Citi appoints Tooba Modassir as Citi India CHRO for India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, overseeing a workforce of over 34,000 employees.
🔍 Who Is Dr. Tooba Modassir?
- A Citi veteran since 2008, Dr. Modassir began her career as an HR Business Partner in Consumer Banking India and steadily grew into global leadership roles.
- Her past roles include:
- VP, HR Strategy (India)
- Head of Talent, Performance, Learning & DEI (South Asia & Global Capability Centers)
- Director & CHRO, Citi Malaysia (2022–2025), where she led award-winning HR transformations
🎓 Academic & Strategic Credentials
- PhD in Talent Management & Gender Diversity from Goa University
- MBA in HR from Goa Institute of Management
- Certified leadership coach with expertise in DEI, learning transformation, and strategic talent development
🏦 Why Citi India CHRO Appointment 2025 Matters
- Local + Global Vision: Dr. Modassir brings a rare mix of regional depth and global agility, a blend critical for managing Citi’s South Asia talent portfolio.
- Digital & Cultural Readiness: Under her leadership, Citi Malaysia was recognized by Euromoney and FinanceAsia for culture and employee experience innovation.
- Internal Succession Strategy: Citi’s promotion of an in-house leader sends a strong signal that internal talent development is a strategic priority.
📍 About Citi in the Region
- Citi has been in India for over a century and operates one of its largest workforces here.
- The India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka cluster is part of the Asia South region and is central to Citi’s shared services, innovation, and business delivery models.
🗣️ Leadership Voices
“Tooba’s people-first leadership and strategic clarity are what Citi needs as it prepares for a more agile, inclusive future,” said K. Balasubramanian, CEO, Citi India.
Arun Mirchandani, Asia South HR Head, called her elevation “a testimony to Citi’s focus on grooming future-fit, purpose-driven HR leaders.”
🔮 What to Expect Under Her Leadership
- Revamped learning & capability frameworks
- Scaled DEI programs rooted in Indian and South Asian context
- Agile, AI-supported people operations
- Stronger links between talent strategy and business goals
✔️ Bottom Line
The appointment of Tooba Modassir as Citi India CHRO is not just a leadership shuffle—it’s a landmark people strategy decision. It affirms Citi’s belief in cultivating homegrown leadership with global edge, and marks a new chapter in HR leadership for the subcontinent.
Stay tuned as she redefines what it means to lead HR in a region that’s young, ambitious, and ready to rise.
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