Westpac Papua New Guinea has appointed Mollie Sheekiot as head of people and moved Tanya Drost from head of credit to head of risk, strengthening its executive leadership team as the bank focuses on workforce development and risk management.
Sheekiot brings nearly 20 years of human resources and people leadership experience across financial services, mining, fast-moving consumer goods, logistics and manufacturing.
Before joining Westpac PNG, she held senior leadership roles at Nambawan Super, Newcrest Mining and other organisations, working in complex operating environments and developing people strategies.
As head of people, Sheekiot will work with leaders across the bank on talent development, employee engagement and workplace culture, supporting its business priorities and long-term growth in Papua New Guinea.
Drost, who has worked at Westpac for more than 35 years, brings over 25 years of experience in credit risk across various industry segments. A member of the PNG Leadership Team, she transitioned from head of credit to head of risk in 2026.
In her new role, Drost will lead the bank’s risk function, supporting risk management and business decisions as Westpac PNG serves customers and pursues sustainable growth.
Westpac PNG chief executive Andrew Cairns said the appointments brought extensive experience to the leadership team.
He said Sheekiot’s expertise in people leadership, organisational development and workplace culture would help the bank support its employees and improve outcomes for customers and communities.
Cairns also highlighted Drost’s knowledge of Westpac’s operations and the PNG banking sector, saying her experience would support disciplined risk management.
Sheekiot said she looked forward to working with teams across the bank to strengthen workplace culture, support employee development and advance its strategic priorities.
Drost said strong risk management was fundamental to serving customers, making sound decisions and building a sustainable business.
The appointments reflect Westpac PNG’s focus on developing its workforce, maintaining effective risk controls and supporting its long-term operations in Papua New Guinea.
