Chennai : Citigroup (Citi) has announced the appointment of Raj Rathi as Head of Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) for India, effective June 2026. The move underscores Citi’s continued focus on strengthening its investment banking leadership in one of its key growth markets.
Based in Mumbai, Rathi will lead Citi’s M&A franchise in India while also overseeing sector coverage for Digital Infrastructure, Electronic Manufacturing Services (EMS), and select B2B commerce companies.
Strengthening Citi’s M&A Leadership
In his new role, Rathi will be responsible for driving strategic advisory across complex and high-value transactions. He is expected to deepen client relationships across priority sectors and work closely with Citi’s Investment Banking and Markets teams to deliver integrated financial solutions.
The appointment comes amid strong momentum in Citi’s India investment banking operations, where the firm has continued to play a leading role in high-profile deals.
Extensive Industry Experience
Rathi joins Citi from Dream Sports, where he served as Head of Strategy and Corporate Development. During his tenure, he led multiple strategic partnerships and inorganic growth initiatives, deploying approximately $150 million across various investments.
With over 15 years of experience in investment banking, mergers and acquisitions, and advisory services, Rathi brings deep expertise in executing complex transactions and driving long-term value creation.
Citi’s Dominance in India’s M&A Landscape
Citi has consistently been ranked the #1 M&A advisor in India by deal value in both 2024 and 2025, reflecting its strong execution capabilities and deep-rooted client relationships.
Among its recent landmark transactions:
- Advisory role in the 100% stake sale of Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited for United Spirits Limited
- Advisory on the 49% stake sale in Haier India for Haier Group
Strategic Outlook
Rathi’s appointment signals Citi’s commitment to expanding its advisory capabilities in India’s rapidly evolving dealmaking environment. With increasing activity across digital infrastructure, manufacturing, and technology-led sectors, Citi is positioning itself to capitalize on emerging opportunities and maintain its leadership in the M&A space.
Industry observers expect Rathi’s leadership to further enhance Citi’s ability to execute large-scale, cross-border transactions while strengthening its foothold in India’s competitive investment banking sector.
