The phrase “Public Affairs” was coined somewhere in between the years 1605 and 1615, its definition has remained constant, that of pertaining to matters of general interest and concern. Ms. Lamise Aly Negm duties as Citibank’s Vice President and Public Affairs Officer in Cairo are to intrigue and court the public’s interest in her company as well as to inform them of how her bank can be of service to their particular financial needs. Citi’s presence in Egypt dates to 1955, when Citibank opened the first branch of a U.S. bank in the Middle East. In addition to the commercial banking aspect of the company, Citi is actively engaged in communities in Egypt. From affordable housing to sustainable economic development and on to financial education, the network of their employees and resources enables them to invest in their communities to make a real difference in individuals’ lives. Citi works strategically with international, national, and local non-profit organizations to develop innovative solutions to meet the needs of the underserved.

During the financial crisis Ms. Negm was a reassuring calming force within the storm. She is quoted as saying the Egyptian banking sector, “is totally secure, and the Central Bank Governor confirmed that not a single penny has been lost in this crisis.” This shows how the public relations function is essential. She strives for having a continuous, effective communication with the banking public about Citi’s services and activities. This benefits the community as well as Citibank. She deals with developing a liaison with local news media, coordinating the development of articles for local and national publications, and assisting in the planning and conducting of activities such as seminars and forums for the public. She travels to broaden awareness of Citi’s Cairo division, and she has been a delegate for the Canada Egypt Business Council, (CEBC). The CEBC’s job is to act as a primary resource facilitator on behalf of businesses in Canada and Egypt allowing the right access and support in order to achieve successful business together.

It is fitting that Cairo was Citibank’s entrée into the Middle East. Egypt’s capital city is the largest in the Arab world, and has a long history of being a center of the region’s political and cultural life. Many international media, businesses, and organizations have regional headquarters in the city.

A significant stepping stone along the path that got Ms. Negm to her position at Citibank was earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Ain Shams University. Current and the principal touchstones in her life are her husband Hamdy El-Guindy and their children Roba and Aly. Her love of travel is fortunately fostered by both her vocational and avocational interests.

Lamise Aly Negm can be found on the Madison Who’s Who Directory where she is looking forward to networking with you.

www.citi.com