NEW YORK, Aug 19 (Reuters) - Goldman Sachs ( GS ) has

hired veteran investment banker Matt Beitzel, who used to lead

Citigroup's ( C/PN ) coverage of North American banks, as a partner

in its financial institutions group, according to a memo seen by

Reuters.

Beitzel will start at Goldman in November after a period of

gardening leave, according to people familiar with the matter.

In his new role, Beitzel will lead Goldman's dealmaking efforts

involving banks and other financial services firms in the

Americas.

A Goldman spokesperson confirmed the contents of the memo.

Beitzel, who has covered financial institutions for more

than 20 years, worked as a managing director at Credit Suisse

before joining Citi in 2014.

Beitzel holds a bachelor's degree in finance and accounting

from Indiana University and earned an MBA from the University of

Chicago Booth School of Business.