ANZ has announced the appointment of Lachlan Halstead as the new Country Head for Papua New Guinea. Halstead, who will report to Tammy Medard, Managing Director Institutional Australia and PNG, takes on this role with regulatory approval from PNG authorities.
Halstead brings over two decades of experience with ANZ, having served most recently as Chief Operating Officer for Institutional Australia since 2018. His career includes senior management roles in Singapore, Vietnam, and India.
Tammy Medard commented on his appointment: “ANZ has been in PNG for more than a century, and we continue to see opportunities for growth and investment."
“Born and raised in PNG, Lachlan is well-placed to support our local team and drive opportunities for our customers and the PNG economy. His proven track record of leadership across the Asia Pacific will contribute to advancing trade and capital flows with PNG and the region.”
In early 2023, Halstead will relocate from Melbourne to Port Moresby. He succeeds Mark Baker, who retires after ten years in the position. Halstead's personal connection to PNG includes spending part of his childhood in Port Moresby and Madang.
ANZ began its operations in Papua New Guinea in 1910. The bank operates corporate centers in Port Moresby, Lae, and Goroka offering services across transaction banking, markets, loans, and specialized finance with a focus on sectors like resources, energy, infrastructure among others.
Additionally, ANZ supports financial literacy through its MoneyMinded program aimed at increasing financial inclusion within Papua New Guinean communities.