Former Citi Executive Alleges Sexual Harassment and Discrimination
A former Citi executive, Julia Carreon, has filed a lawsuit against Andy Sieg, the bank’s head of wealth, accusing him of subjecting her to a “campaign of unrelenting and egregious sexual harassment, manipulation, and grooming,” according to court documents.
Carreon, who previously served as Citi’s global head of platform and experiences, also alleged that the bank harbors a “weaponized” human resources department that protects men who engage in discriminatory behavior while silencing women who speak out against it.
Hostile Work Environment and Allegations
Carreon joined Citi in 2021 as a managing director tasked with transforming the wealth management unit’s digital experience. However, she claims that she was harassed and marginalized after successfully implementing changes that disrupted the status quo.
When Sieg publicly endorsed Carreon’s work and promoted her in 2023, she alleges that the bank’s culture reduced her to a mere sex object, leading to baseless rumors that she only received the promotion due to a romantic relationship with her boss.
The lawsuit states that the pervasive sexual harassment created a hostile work environment that undermined Carreon’s professional reputation and deprived her of the opportunity to excel based on her merits.
Legal Action and Response
Carreon ultimately left Citi in 2024 and is now seeking unspecified damages for emotional distress, mental anguish, and other related issues. Sieg has faced previous allegations of unfair treatment towards employees, as reported by Bloomberg and the Financial Times.
Carreon revealed on LinkedIn that her attempts to resolve the matter privately were met with resistance from Citi’s legal team, prompting her to take legal action. She emphasized the importance of standing up for truth and integrity, despite the personal challenges involved.
In response to the allegations, a Citi spokesperson, Mark Costiglio, stated that the lawsuit has “absolutely no merit” and that the bank will address the claims through the legal process.
Conclusion
Julia Carreon’s lawsuit against Citi and Andy Sieg sheds light on the pervasive issue of sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace. Her decision to come forward underscores the importance of holding individuals and organizations accountable for creating toxic work environments.
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