US bank Citibank is seeking a president of corporate
communications, to be based in the UK, as it seeks to consolidate its
European public relations activity.
Corporate affairs is currently handled by vice-president of corporate
affairs Kathryn Carassalini. She refused to comment on the new
appointment.
Last year Citibank restructured its corporate banking activities from
geographically-based operations into global servicing for four business
sectors. These are: pharmaceuticals, chemicals, telecommunications and
media.
At the same time Citibank reorganised its PR agencies to fit this global
organisation. Ruder Finn, already Citibank’s agency in the US and Asia
Pacific, was appointed to handle its pounds 100,000 fee European public
relations account from its London office.
Ruder Finn organises media relations and events, focusing on key markets
in the UK, France and Germany. Citbank’s inhouse teams provide
additional support.
Citibank also has a private banking arm which uses a string of local
offices, including Hill and Knowlton, to handle PR for local branches.
