Shane Smith, the chief executive of Westpac Fiji, marked a remarkable milestone this month, celebrating 40 years of dedicated service at the country’s oldest bank. Smith made history as Westpac Fiji’s first local chief executive in over a century, having started his career at the age of 18 in the bank’s Suva branch.
Reflecting on his long journey, Smith expressed gratitude for the transformational changes Westpac has implemented over the years, benefiting not only customers but also the broader Fijian community and economy. “It brings me great joy to also see the amount of work we do in the community through our staff Volunteer program, our free Financial Literacy programs, as well as our Westpac Women and Girls Education Grant – that’s been running for over 13 years,” he stated.
Last year, the Westpac Group reaffirmed its commitment to the Pacific region, including Fiji and Papua New Guinea. Smith highlighted that this confidence in the Fijian economy and its robust financial markets sets a solid groundwork for a promising future, with plans for further investments expected by 2025.
During a gathering with colleagues and staff, Shane took the opportunity to extend his heartfelt thanks for their unwavering support throughout his impressive career.
This celebration not only marks Smith’s personal achievement but also signals a hopeful outlook for Westpac Fiji as it continues to thrive and contribute positively to the nation’s economy and community initiatives. Such a longstanding commitment by Smith showcases the importance of local leadership in driving positive change, reinforcing the bank’s role as a fundamental part of Fiji’s financial landscape.
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