The Reserve Bank of Fiji has officially appointed Jacinta Hesaie as the new Chief Manager of the Economic Group, effective May 1, 2025. Hesaie, who has acted in this role since January 2023, will oversee the vital function of formulating monetary policy while providing critical economic analysis and advice within the central bank.
Ms. Hesaie’s journey with the Reserve Bank began in March 2006 when she joined as an economist and was promoted to senior economist in 2013. Her career includes a notable secondment at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Resident Representative Office for Pacific Islands from March 2017 until her return to the Reserve Bank in February 2020, where she continued to thrive within the Economics Group.
Holding a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Management & Public Administration from the University of the South Pacific, along with a Master of International Economics & Finance from the University of Queensland, Hesaie has enriched her expertise through various training events and by representing the Reserve Bank at multiple forums internationally.
Ariff Ali, Governor of the Reserve Bank, remarked on Hesaie’s appointment, underscoring her relevant experience and skill set in central banking, macroeconomic analysis, and policy research, which will be crucial in navigating the economic challenges facing Fiji. Governor Ali expressed confidence that Hesaie’s leadership would greatly enhance the Reserve Bank’s ability to meet its monetary stability mandate effectively.
The appointment of Hesaie is not merely a change in leadership but symbolizes the Reserve Bank’s commitment to strengthening its economic strategies, reflecting a broader trend towards gender equity in leadership roles within Fiji’s financial landscape. Her installation adds to a growing roster of women advancing in significant leadership positions, akin to recent notable appointments such as Caroline Pickering as the first female director of the Fiji Financial Intelligence Unit, which speaks to progress in governance and diversity within the sector.
This optimistic shift in leadership aims to foster a stable economic environment, ensuring that Fiji can tackle future challenges with adept guidance under Ms. Hesaie’s stewardship. The Reserve Bank expects her vast experiences and insights to play a vital role in furthering Fiji’s economic interests.
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