Fiji Airports Names Three Women to Lead Key Departments, Signaling a Diversity Push

Fiji Airports taps three women to lead key departments, signaling a strong move on diversity and capability

Fiji Airports has expanded its leadership team with the appointment of three female managers to head its Internal Audit, Communications & Engagement, and Marketing & Branding departments. The new appointees are Loi Turaga (Manager, Internal Audit), Saleshni Chaudhary (Manager, Communications & Engagement), and Elina Nailatikau (Manager, Marketing & Branding).

Collectively, they bring extensive expertise in finance, governance, communications, and brand strategy, with a mandate to strengthen operational excellence, stakeholder engagement, and brand presence across the organization.

Chief Executive Officer Mesake Nawari said the appointments reflect Fiji Airports’ strategic focus on both capability and diversity in leadership. “The inclusion of these highly skilled professionals strengthens our leadership bench and brings fresh perspectives, innovation and a wealth of experience into our operations,” Nawari said. He added that appointing female leaders in a traditionally male-dominated organisation is vital, noting that diverse perspectives enhance innovation and foster more inclusive and productive workplaces.

Context and broader trends

The move at Fiji Airports sits within a broader push toward greater gender diversity in Fiji’s aviation and corporate sectors. In recent months, Fiji Airways announced promotions of two women to senior executive positions—Anna Morris as Chief People Officer and Kamal Haer as Chief Sales & Marketing Officer—while highlighting the airline’s record of female representation. Fiji Airways has surpassed the International Air Transport Association’s target of 25% female employment, reaching about 46% across its workforce, a milestone cited as part of its ongoing commitment to empowering women and improving leadership diversity.

This emphasis on female leadership also echoes wider Fiji business narratives, including efforts to nurture women into executive roles across industries such as maritime and construction, and leadership development programs aimed at building confidence and governance capabilities for women in leadership.

Outlook

For Fiji Airports, the three appointments are expected to strengthen governance, communications, and branding as the company continues to enhance its service quality and stakeholder engagement. The broader trend toward diverse leadership across Fiji’s aviation and related sectors suggests a positive outlook for inclusive growth and continued innovation in the country’s tourism and transport industries.

Summary

The appointments of Loi Turaga, Saleshni Chaudhary, and Elina Nailatikau demonstrate Fiji Airports’ commitment to leadership excellence and gender diversity, aligning with national industry trends toward more women in senior roles and greater representation across Fiji’s aviation and business sectors.

Additional context for editors

– This development complements Fiji Airways’ recent leadership moves and its demonstrated progress on gender diversity, underscoring a broader national momentum toward inclusive leadership in aviation.
– The emphasis on internal governance, communications, and branding positions Fiji Airports to better engage stakeholders and strengthen its market presence as Fiji’s tourism sector rebounds and grows.
– Potential reader angles: how these roles will impact stakeholder communications during peak travel periods, and how enhanced internal audit capabilities might improve risk management and operational efficiency.

Note: If you’d like, I can add a brief reader Q&A or a sidebar highlighting bios and career highlights of the three appointees to enrich the piece further.