Following an extensive executive search in Papua New Guinea and the broader Asia-Pacific region, Nambawan Super Limited announced that its Trustee Board of Directors has appointed Lachlan Baird as the company’s incoming chief executive officer, effective 1 January 2026.
Baird will succeed Paul Sayer, who is stepping down after a successful eight-year tenure. Sayer will work with Baird to ensure a smooth transition.
Sayer’s leadership has been pivotal to Nambawan Super’s growth and achievements. Since joining the fund in 2017, he led Nambawan Super to double its funds under management from K6 billion to more than K12 billion in 2025.
During his tenure, the fund delivered major investment milestones, including the opening of OPH, the Rangeview development, Moki Business Park, the full acquisition of Paradise Foods Limited, and ongoing progress on key projects such as the repossession of the 9-Mile land.
He also championed operational improvements through enhancements to the mobile app, website, call center, and case management systems, while strengthening core operations via the Branch Relocation and Expansion program, remote working and business continuity frameworks, and maintaining a consistently low management expense ratio.
“Sayer was a CEO who led with both professionalism and heart, consistently advocating for the best outcomes for members. He oversaw the rollout of the Financial Literacy Program, drove member-focused policy advocacy, and steered the fund through significant global and local challenges, including COVID-19, Black Wednesday, economic shocks, and the largest and most peaceful eviction in the country at NSL’s 9-Mile Land,” the board said.
The board expressed its profound gratitude to Sayer for his vision, dedication, and unwavering commitment to putting members first throughout his eight years of service.
Incoming CEO Lachlan Baird brings more than 30 years of experience in the superannuation, investment, and financial sectors. He previously served as chief executive officer of Prime Super, a broad-based independent superannuation fund with about AU$7 billion in assets. During his tenure, he developed and executed a strategy that transformed Prime Super into a leading multi-industry fund, earning a six-time CANSTAR 5-star quality rating for its pension product and achieving top-quartile investment returns for most products offered.
“We extend our deepest appreciation to Paul Sayer for his many years of dedicated service and significant contributions to Nambawan Super. As we move forward, we are thrilled to welcome Lachlan Baird as our new chief executive officer. Lachlan's leadership capabilities and proven success in transforming organisations in the superannuation industry will be instrumental in charting our future course and delivering continued value to the members of Nambawan Super,” said Richard Sinamoi, chairman of the Trustee Board.
Nambawan Super is a defined contribution fund (accumulation fund) approved under the Superannuation (General Provision) Act 2000. The fund is governed by the Board of Directors of Nambawan Super Limited, the fund’s corporate trustee (“the Trustee”). The fund exists to invest amounts contributed by or on behalf of members for their retirement. It has no purpose other than to serve the interests of its membership.
