Former Fiji Revenue and Customs Service chief executive Jitoko Tikolevu and Chartered Accountant Nitin Gandhi have been appointed as FRCS Board Directors for a three-year term.
Their appointments, made under Section 4 of the FRCS Act 1998, became effective on July 16, 2024.
FRCS Chief Executive Udit Singh stated that the new directors bring valuable expertise and perspectives that will enhance the strategic direction and oversight of the organization.
Singh emphasized that their diverse talents and expertise will strengthen the board’s impact and ability to achieve strategic objectives. This aligns with the aim of transforming FRCS into a world-class revenue service excelling in revenue collection, border protection, trade, and travel facilitation.
Background
Tikolevu previously served as Fiji’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom from 2016 to 2023. He was also the CEO of the Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority (now FRCS) from 2007 to 2015 and held positions such as Deputy Board Chair of the Fiji Development Bank and Investment Fiji until December 2015.
Tikolevu holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Studies from the University of the South Pacific and a Master’s degree in Taxation from the University of Auckland.
“I look forward to contributing and working together with the current FRCS Board,” Tikolevu said.
Gandhi is a Chartered Accountant and the former managing partner of PricewaterhouseCoopers. He is a fellow of the Australia and New Zealand Chartered Accountants, a former president of the Fiji Institute of Chartered Accountants, an accredited mediator, a former president of the Fiji Red Cross Society, and a current member of the International Federation of Red Cross Audit and Risk Commission in Geneva.
With over 38 years of experience, Gandhi has provided professional services primarily in assurance, taxation, and advisory to numerous businesses in Fiji and regional countries across various industries, including tourism, aviation, energy, manufacturing, retail, agriculture, and financial services.
Upon accepting the appointment as an FRCS Board Director, Gandhi acknowledged the challenges FRCS faces in its reforms and administrative systems.
“There is a need to embrace globalization and digitalization to ensure FRCS serves its customer base in the most efficient and fair manner. Modernizing tax compliance and developing appropriate systems will be key to the country’s economic development,” he said.