[ by Melanie Gretchen ] Citigroup Inc. is fortifying its forces with the installation of no fewer than 4 new business heads over the past year and a half.  The bank admittedly had neglected its U.S. consumer and commercial banking operations - as the bank struggled with the more demanding capital issues tied to the financial and credit crisis of 2008. Promoting From Within, Recruiting From Outside Firms. On Wednesday, Citi named William Howle to head up commercial banking in the U.S.  One year earlier, Citigroup hired Cecelia "Cece" Stewart from Morgan Stanley - she previously had been with Wachovia - to head consumer banking in the U.S.  Ms. Stewart, in turn, promoted Steve Troutner, also formerly of Wachovia, to head Citi's retail bank branch network - that move was effective 4/1/12.  Also last year, Citigroup promoted Sunil Garg as head of global commercial banking. Mr. Howle, who had worked with Ms. Stewart to build up Wachovia's retail banking business and had followed her to Morgan Stanley, will continue his role as COO of U.S. consumer banking in addition to his new role.  Ms. Stewart said this about Howle: "As our COO, he has shown that he can develop strong teams and execute with exceptional efficiencies and results." Ms. Stewart has already had a significant influence on her business area.  She's credited with having turned around retail banking, leading increased investments in technology and improved procedures to help staff servicing customers. The Wachovia Connection. It's interesting to note that Howle, Stewart and Troutner all worked at Wachovia, a bank often praised for its retail banking strategy.  Wachovia's troubles were attributed to mortgages, which led to it being acquired by Wells Fargo during the financial crisis. For further details, go to [Fox Business, 3/28/12].