In its long history of banking operations in the country, Westpac Fiji has for the first time appointed a Fijian to head its operations.

Shane Smith, a well-regarded figure in the banking sector has been announced as the bank’s new chief executive officer.

Westpac began operations in Fiji in 1901 as Bank of New South Wales in its current Fiji headquarters on Thomson Street Suva.

Over the century, expatriates have been appointed to head its Fiji operations.

In a release, the bank said Mr Smith brought with him an impressive 37 years of regional banking experience to the role.

He held senior leadership roles for Westpac in Australia, across the Pacific and at home in Fiji.

Westpac’s Managing Director for Westpac Pacific and Specialist Finance Damien MacRae said: “Shane is a highly respected Fijian banker who has risen up the ranks and made a significant contribution to the Westpac Group and to banking in the Pacific region.”

Experience and qualification
Mr Smith started his banking career straight from school, as a customer service officer for Westpac Fiji in Suva.

Since then, he has worked across several areas of the Westpac Group, including banking, IT, operations and later in executive roles.

Between 2006 and 2012, he served as the General Manager for Westpac in Samoa and Vanuatu.

He has also worked with Westpac Australia in the areas of commercial banking and operations, and as part of the Westpac Pacific head office.

Mr Smith has a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from The University of the South Pacific and a Post Graduate Certificate in Executive Management from the University of New South Wales.

Mr Smith said: “I’m honoured and humbled by the opportunity to lead this great business and build on the legacy of my predecessors.

“My priorities are connecting with our people, stakeholders and customers who have had it tough for the best part of two years.

“The current situation makes it difficult but I’m really looking forward to getting on the road, listening and ensuring we fulfil our obligations to our customers and the community at large.”

Mr Smith takes over from Kip Hanna, who recently finished his term with Westpac.

“I thank Kip for his contribution to Westpac’s Pacific businesses, and in particular for his support of our Westpac Fiji teams and customers through the pandemic,” Mr MacRae said.

Westpac has 15 branches across the country and numerous branchless banking options including the Westpac Fiji mobile app, internet banking and a network of instore merchants.

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