Westpac is pleased to announce the appointment of Andrew Cairns as its new Chief Executive for Papua New Guinea, effective immediately.
Andrew brings extensive leadership experience across banking, social finance, telecommunications, and corporate social responsibility. Having worked in Australia, the South Pacific, Asia, and the USA, he has a proven track record of driving business growth, operational excellence, and innovation. His expertise will be instrumental in strengthening Westpac’s role as a trusted financial partner in PNG.
Welcoming Andrew to the role, Westpac Pacific Managing Director Emma Low said, "I’m delighted to officially welcome Andrew Cairns as Chief Executive of Westpac PNG. Andrew is a seasoned Chief Executive with 20 years’ experience leading growth, innovation and operational optimisation with a strong focus on developing people.
“His experience in leading transformation and driving sustainable growth aligns with our commitment to delivering innovative banking solutions and enhancing financial inclusion. Under his leadership, we will continue to strengthen customer relationships, expand digital banking services, and support economic growth across the communities we serve."
Andrew steps into the role at a crucial time, as Westpac focuses on accessibility, digital innovation, and customer-centric solutions in PNG. His leadership will ensure the bank remains agile in responding to market dynamics while reinforcing its commitment to financial empowerment and responsible banking.
Reflecting on Westpac’s deep history and connection with PNG, Andrew describes joining the team as an enormous privilege. He emphasised, “While banking is Westpac’s business; it does not define who we are. Our most important role is to feed into the prosperity of our customers, helping them realise their aspirations and build better futures for themselves, their families, their communities and their businesses”.
“There is so much to be excited about as we work and grow together. I first visited Papua New Guinea some 10 years after its independence. Much has changed but the volume of opportunities remains to build sustainable outcomes and intergenerational value. I want to be a part of the Westpac PNG team that does that and to having positive impact with my initial focus being to listen and learn and to give voice to our customers strategies”.
Westpac looks forward to this new chapter under Andrew’s leadership, building on its strong foundation to create lasting value for customers, employees, and stakeholders.
