Citi hires ex-Dream Sports executive Raj Rathi to lead India M&A business

Citi India has appointed Raj Rathi as Head of M&A in India, bringing in a seasoned dealmaker from the startup ecosystem as it sharpens its investment banking strategy.

Rathi joins from Dream Sports, where he was Head of Strategy and Corporate Development. In that role, he led strategic partnerships and inorganic growth initiatives, deploying nearly $150 million across multiple investments.

At Citi, Rathi will be responsible for leading the M&A franchise in India, focusing on strategic advisory across complex transactions and strengthening relationships across key sectors. He will also oversee sector coverage for Digital Infrastructure, EMS, and select B2B commerce companies.

He will work closely with Citi’s global and domestic teams across Investment Banking and Markets to deliver integrated solutions for clients. With over 15 years of experience in investment banking and advisory, his appointment signals Citi’s intent to deepen sector-focused dealmaking capabilities in India.

The move comes as Citi continues to dominate India’s M&A advisory league tables by deal value.