Craig Duignan has been with Citi for over 25 years and has held a number of positions across Operations & Tech, Relationship Management, Product Management and Banking. He was responsible for the establishment of Citi Commercial Bank (CCB) in Ireland in 2020 and, in 2023, was appointed Ireland Head of CCB to drive expansion.
What was your first job? My career began in the finance department of Enterprise Ireland – back when it was known as The Irish Trade Board – right here in Dublin. What are your main priorities and goals in your current role? My primary focus is on setting a long-term vision for sustainable growth in the Irish mid-corporate market. A key part of this is strategically expanding our market share by identifying new industry verticals and enhancing Citi’s visibility through targeted marketing and partnerships. At the heart of this strategy is a dual focus: acquiring new client relationships while also acting as a trusted advisor to our existing high-value clients. A huge part of our value proposition is helping Irish companies scale internationally by giving them access to Citi’s unparalleled global network. Of course, all of this must be achieved while upholding the highest standards of compliance and operating within the bank’s risk appetite, which is a fundamental priority in our highly regulated industry. What pushed you to pursue a career in this field? My mum worked in banking, which initially sparked my interest, but it was the industry’s alignment with my own ambitious and hard-working nature that truly drew me in. I’ve always thrived in environments that celebrate drive and determination. Being surrounded by such intelligent and motivated peers early in my career inspired me to pivot into banking, and I haven’t looked back since. How do you motivate yourself and your team? Motivation, for me, starts with a clear vision. It’s crucial that every team member understands our goals and sees how their individual role contributes to the bigger picture. I foster a culture of open and transparent communication, where feedback is encouraged and information flows freely, as this builds trust. Recognising and rewarding contributions is essential, as is empowering the team with autonomy and responsibility to foster a sense of ownership. Ultimately, I believe in leading by example – demonstrating a strong work ethic and a positive attitude – while also actively promoting a healthy work-life balance. In one sentence, how would you define success? For me, success is about creating a legacy of sustainable, profitable growth by effectively balancing the complex demands of our industry to the benefit of our clients. How do you relax? I find relaxation in simple pleasures: a long walk, getting lost in a good book with a great cup of coffee, and exploring new places through travel. What is your favourite (non-business) book? That’s a tough one! I’m an avid cook, so I’d have to say any good cookbook. I love experimenting with new recipes and cuisines. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? To prioritise your well-being above all else. That means listening to your body, not being afraid to accept help, and making sure you surround yourself with people who inspire you. How do you handle adversity? By focusing only on what I can control. In any challenging situation, the key is to remain calm and composed, and to channel energy only into the aspects that you can actually influence. What are the aspirations for the future of the business? Our aspiration is to continue driving growth by acquiring new clients and, crucially, winning with them by helping them succeed. We are also focused on innovating and transforming how we operate as a bank to better serve the dynamic needs of the Irish market.
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