Westpac Fiji has farewelled one of its longest-serving and most respected leaders, Angelina Ram, who retires after an extraordinary 54-year career.
Westpac Fiji CEO Shane Smith says Ram joined the then Bank of New South Wales now Westpac Fiji as an 18-year-old straight out of St Joseph’s Secondary School, beginning her journey in the Ledger Department.
He says she quickly rose through the ranks, stepping into senior leadership roles across International Banking, Trade Finance and Foreign Exchange.
Smith highlights that in 1989, Ram became the first woman appointed as Manager for International Operations for the Pacific, paving the way for future generations of Pacific women in banking.
He says Ram’s contribution has been instrumental to Westpac’s growth and resilience across the region and her dedication, expertise and leadership have helped shape Pacific banking for over five decades.
Smith adds that Ram is widely trusted, respected and known for her integrity and commitment to doing what is right, saying her legacy will live on through the many leaders she has mentored over the years.
Throughout her career, Ram supported major transformation initiatives, strengthened governance frameworks, delivered regional system upgrades, led complex operational change, and represented Westpac across numerous Pacific markets.
She has also been a generous mentor to emerging leaders, always willing to share her knowledge and experience.
Meanwhile, Ram expresses her gratitude for the many opportunities she received and the support of her family through the long and challenging days.
She adds that Westpac was not just her livelihood—it became like an extended family.
Ram’s distinguished career includes several key milestones, including her pioneering appointment as the first female Manager for International Operations in the Pacific, leading major system upgrades, and representing Westpac abroad, including specialist training in Australia.
She was recognised with multiple High Achiever Awards and the Women in Influence Group Award, and has been a longstanding contributor to Pacific banking governance and compliance.
