We talk about leaders and leadership nearly every day in the business world. They motivate employees, drive people to see and believe in a vision, and lead innovation in the organization.
Leadership in Fiji is rising, and gearing up for the future of work, workforces, and workplaces in the region. Here, we’ve assembled a list of 10 business leaders of Fiji who you must follow in 2023:
10 Fiji business leaders you should be following in 2023
Naveen Lakshmaiya
Naveen Lakshmaiya is the General Manager of HR at Energy Fiji Limited. In his journey as an HR leader and professional, he has stated that good leadership, strong supporters and his own faith in people have constantly helped him maintain a steady balance.
He has been a charge for innovation in the field of Human Resources Management for over 27 years. For Naveen, an effective leader is one who sees opportunities where others only see problems, and continuously pauses the bar for excellence in an organization.
Mohammed Mukhtar Khan
Mohammed Mukhtar Khan is the CEO of New Valley Produce, Fiji. He is a senior executive with consecutive successes in achieving revenue, profit, and business growth objectives within start-up, turnaround, and rapid-change environments.
Mohammed has led worldwide teams of more than 500 employees, is an exemplary employee motivator, and a visionary.
Kameli Batiweti
Kameli Batiweti is the CEO at Fiji Commerce & Employers Federation and is most notably the President of the Fiji Human Resources Institute (FHRI). He has garnered over 25 years of experience in human capital and corporate services having held executive positions in the tourism and beverage sectors in Fiji.
Andre Viljoen
Andre Viljoen serves as the CEO and Managing Director of Fiji Airways. He was born in South Africa, and has over 35 years of seasoned experience in the aviation industry.
Pre Covid-19, Viljoen led the expansion of the airline into other International hubs. He has continued to lead the team with resilience during the pandemic in order to ensure that the national airlines survives and thrives.
Andre Viljoen was appointed as MD and CEO of Fiji Airways in mid 2015 and has been at the core of business transformation at Fiji Airways.
Fernando R D L
Fernando R D L is the Digital Business Development Manager at Fiji Sun. He is a renowned TV industry professional with more than 25 years of experience in Fiji and across the Pacific Islands.
His role as Business Development Management Professional covers the area of digital print media, including social media, and the development of strategies for the same. As a professional in his capacity, working through the global pandemic has entailed the need for evolution in the landscape of digital media to ensure the maintenance of these objectives: revenue generation and business sustainability.
Ashwin Gounder
Ashwin Gounder is the CHRO of Fiji Sugar Corporation Limited with more than a decade of experience as a Human Resources Professional. He is an alumni of the University of Southern Queensland with an MBA in Human Resources Management and Personnel Administration.
He is notably skilled in the areas of management, leadership, and customer service.
Anthony Noble
Anthony Noble is the CEO at Fiji Kava Ltd. With a PhD in Cell Biology from the Queensland University of Technology, an MBA root he Australian Graduate School of Management, and a professional with over a decade of experience, Dr. Noble is a leader with an enviable skillset.
Dr. Noble has an extensive and strong background in natural products and biotechnology, and is a leader with great organizational ability and commercial vision.
Banuve Yalimaiwai
Banuve Yalimaiwai holds the role of GM of People, Culture & Sustainability at Paradise Beverages (Fiji) Limited. With more than a decade of experience as a Human Resources Professional, Banuve has a proven record of strong employee relationship management and development.
Banuve Yalimaiwai’s passion and focus is on the development and execution of human resource strategy in support of the overall business plan and strategic direction of the organization, specifically in the areas of succession planning, talent management, change management, organizational and performance management, training and development and compensation.
Biu Waqaniburotu
Biu Waqaniburotu is the Director of HR at InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa. An HR professional in Fiji, Biu is an experienced HR Manager with vast expertise in tourism and hospitality.
Ritesh Ronald Reddy
Ritesh Ronald Reddy is the Head of People and Productivity at Future Farms PTE Ltd. He has over 20 years of experience serving three unique industries, including electrical utility, aviation, and food manufacturing.
His expertise has further cascaded to the organizational level in strategy and business improvements leading to engagement of people and improving productivity through integrated systems.