Ravikash Chand has been appointed as the new Head of Finance for Westpac Fiji, taking over from Matthew Abbott, who played a pivotal role in the bank’s financial leadership. This appointment is part of a trend in recent years, where more local professionals are assuming key positions in Fiji’s oldest bank.
In 2021, the appointment of Shane Smith as Chief Executive marked a historic moment, as he became the first Fijian to hold this role since the bank was founded in 1901. Smith’s tenure signifies Westpac Fiji’s commitment to cultivating local talent and strengthening ties with the community.
With extensive experience within the bank and a thorough understanding of local market dynamics, Smith is well-positioned to guide Westpac Fiji toward sustained growth and innovation. Earlier this year, another local, Dinesh Kumar, was appointed as Head of Retail, bringing over 15 years of experience in the financial sector, with 13 years in banking.
Smith emphasized that these changes reflect Westpac’s dedication to continuity, fostering local leadership, and maintaining a standard of financial excellence in Fiji. As the bank enters this new phase, it remains focused on its mission to deliver exceptional banking services and contribute to Fiji’s economic development, with Chand’s appointment reinforcing the institution’s ongoing commitment to leadership, innovation, and community engagement.