Westpac Fiji has announced two staff milestones as the bank renews its long-running investment in national leadership development: quality assurance compliance officer Antonio Basil has been selected for the 2026 Leadership Fiji cohort, while corporate affairs and marketing specialist Ellen Stolz has been recognised as a Leadership Fiji fellow. The announcements come as Leadership Fiji celebrates its 25th anniversary and Westpac marks having sponsored 29 of its team members to take part in the programme over the past quarter-century.
Leadership Fiji runs an immersive eight-month curriculum that brings emerging leaders from across sectors together to examine national issues and strengthen practical leadership capabilities. Westpac says the programme returns stronger networks and new perspectives to workplaces and communities; the bank has highlighted sponsorship as a core part of its workforce development and community contribution strategy. “We’re delighted to congratulate Antonio and Ellen on these well-deserved milestones,” Westpac Fiji chief executive officer Shane Smith said, noting the direct benefit to customers and communities when staff are supported to grow.
Basil, who took part in the opening retreat for the Leadership Fiji 2026 intake, said the experience has reshaped his view of leadership. “Attending the opening retreat as part of the Leadership Fiji 2026 program has enabled me to realise that everyone is different,” he said. “It has also reminded me that leading depends entirely on a multitude of values but three stand out: Respect, Proactiveness and Integrity. As a member of Westpac’s Youth Network, I realise that leadership does not entirely rely on age but rather on maturity. I look forward to more developing as the course continues and I’m honoured to be the youngest participant in the program.”
Stolz, a 2024 graduate of the programme who has now been named a fellow, reflected on the personal and community impact of her Leadership Fiji experience. “What a privilege to be part of the program and to now be a Leadership Fiji fellow. But more importantly, to learn the true meaning of leadership and to be given the opportunity to give back to my community and make a huge impact. I’m truly honoured,” she said.
Westpac’s long-term backing is reflected in internal testimonials. Patricia Naisara, Westpac’s head of People and a 2020 graduate of Leadership Fiji, described the course as “truly transformative,” saying it shaped her career trajectory and personal purpose, and left her with “deeper purpose, lifelong connections, and a renewed commitment to lead and serve Fiji.” Smith said the bank will “continue to back our team members with development opportunities, coaching and the support they need to excel,” framing leadership training as a strategic investment in Fiji’s social and economic future.
As Leadership Fiji marks 25 years of operation, corporate sponsorships such as Westpac’s are being cited by both the bank and alumni as an important pipeline for local leadership. With Basil and Stolz’s recent recognitions, Westpac underlined its intention to keep investing in talent that can translate skills learned through the programme into stronger outcomes for customers and communities across Fiji.
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