A toast to progress

MANILA, Philippines - It was an evening of celebration with clients and business partners as Citi Philippines hosted “Toast to Progress” held at the Rigodon Ballroom of The Peninsula Manila. The event celebrated Citi’s milestone achievements in the Philippines, in the ASEAN and across the globe.

The event was the perfect occasion to welcome Batara Sianturi, Citi’s new country officer, who was introduced by Citi’s head for ASEAN Michael Zink. Prior to this assignment, Sianturi served as country officer and cluster head of Citi in Hungary and cluster head for 12 other countries in the Balkan and Baltic Regions in Central Eastern Europe.

Zink thanked outgoing Citi country officer Sanjiv Vohra for his leadership of the Citi franchise over the last seven and a half years. Zink and Sianturi led the ceremonial toast together with Vohra and the members of Citi’s country management team.

Zink highlighted the Philippines as an important market for Citi, which has been in the country since 1902. He said, “The Philippines is one of Citi’s priority markets in ASEAN, and we take pride in being the largest foreign financial institution here, employing nearly 6,500 local talent, a reflection of our deep commitment to the country and its people.” 

Sianturi cited the positive economic momentum that the country is enjoying presently. He said, “Together with my colleagues from Citi, let me express anew our commitment to being your partner for growth, supporting your ideas, funding your dreams and enabling your progress.”

Citi’s long-time community partners entertained guests with performances from their respective chorale groups: the Gawad Kalinga Tatalon Performing Arts, Childhope Street Children Choir and Virlanie Choir.

Sianturi added, “This is clearly an auspicious time for us all — and you can continue to count on Citi to be an active partner in building your businesses and in building this nation.”