BNY Mellon has named Ileana Sodani to head relationship development for the firm’s asset servicing business in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) with responsibility for overseeing all Asset Servicing and Eagle relationship development staff in the region.

In this newly created position, Sodani reports jointly to Samir Pandiri, CEO of Asset Servicing and Hani Kablawi, CEO of Asset Servicing for EMEA.

She continues to be based in London.

Sodani formerly held the position of chief relationship officer of Pershing’s business in EMEA.

Sodani joined the company in its New York office in 1991 and moved to the London office in 2000 holding positions of increasing responsibilities.

In 2013 she became one of BNY Mellon’s global business executives for asset servicing.

She also is EMEA executive sponsor of IMPACT, BNY Mellon’s resource group that supports the company’s commitment to workplace diversity and inclusion.

“Ileana has extensive experience building a large and diverse client base,” said Pandiri.

“She brings considerable depth and breadth of expertise in strategic business development, client management and risk management to this leadership role, as we continue to develop our institutional client base across the EMEA region. Providing safekeeping, technology, data and fund services solutions to financial institutions and asset owners is a key driver of growth for BNY Mellon in the region,” he said.