The University of the South Pacific (USP) has announced the appointment of Patricia Naisara as its new Executive Director People & Workforce Strategy, effective January 25, 2027.
In a statement, USP said Ms Naisara joins the university from Westpac Fiji, where she currently heads the organisation’s human resources function.
Her responsibilities at Westpac include people and culture strategy, workforce planning, talent development, employee relations, organisational change and human resources operations.
She has also overseen collective agreement negotiations, organisational restructuring, succession planning and initiatives aimed at improving employee engagement and wellbeing.
A commercial lawyer by profession, Ms Naisara brings experience in employee relations, corporate compliance, banking and finance, property transactions and investment.
USP said her background combines legal practice with people management, organisational change and the delivery of human resources services.
Ms Naisara is a graduate of USP, holding Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws degrees, with studies in Political Science, Management and Public Administration.
She also holds a Professional Diploma in Legal Practice and was admitted to the High Court of Fiji in 2013.
A Leadership Fiji alumna, Ms Naisara is actively involved in governance and advocacy initiatives promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment.
She chairs the Fiji Women’s Fund Governance Board, serves as Vice Chair of the Women’s Entrepreneurial Business Council of the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation, and is President of the Fiji Women Lawyers Association for 2026.
Reflecting on her appointment, Ms Naisara said she was “excited for this new chapter with USP, an opportunity to step into something new, challenge myself, keep growing, and contribute to an institution that means so much to our Pacific.”
USP said it looked forward to welcoming Ms Naisara to the university when she takes up her new leadership role in January.
