Bank appoints senior leaders

Listen to this article:

Westpac Fiji head of Retail Banking Steven Beddoes. Picture: SUPPLIED

WESTPAC Fiji has appointed two of its leaders to senior roles within the bank, strengthening its commitment to developing local talent.

Martine Anthony was appointed to the position of senior manager Branch Operations and Steven Beddoes appointed head of Retail Banking.

In her new role, Ms Anthony will lead branch operations across the Westpac Fiji network, overseeing 15 direct reports and driving operational excellence, compliance and consistent service delivery nationwide.

She will champion initiatives to enhance customer experience, strengthen operational efficiency and foster high team engagement, aligned with the bank’s retail banking strategy.

Ms Anthony has served the bank for 24 years and has progressed through several senior roles across the organisation; and according to the bank, her career journey reflected its long-standing commitment to nurturing internal talent and supporting professional growth from within.

Mr Beddoes, on the other hand, has more than 27 years with the bank, and an extensive experience that spans core banking disciplines, frontline leadership and strategic execution.

According to the bank, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to developing people, deepening customer relationships and delivering sustainable performance outcomes throughout his career; and his deep understanding of the retail banking sector positioned him well to lead the business as it continues to support Fijian households, small businesses and communities.

Westpac Fiji chief executive officer Shane Smith said the appointments demonstrated the bank’s focus on internal progression and capacity building.

“These appointments reflect our strong commitment to growing and empowering local talent,” Mr Smith said in a statement from the bank.

“Martine and Steven have built outstanding careers with Westpac Fiji and their leadership will play a key role in shaping the future of our business.

“We are proud to see Fijians leading our strategic direction and delivering value for our customers and communities,” he said.

Mr Smith said as one of the country’s longest serving financial institutions, they remained focused on leadership development, succession planning, and creating long-term career opportunities for Fijians in banking.

He said ensuring local expertise continued to guide the bank’s future growth.

Westpac Fiji senior manager Branch Operations Martine Anthony. Picture: SUPPLIED