THE Australia Pacific Islands Business Council, Australia Papua New Guinea Business Council and Australia Fiji Business Council have appointed Leata Alaimoana-Roberts as Chief Executive Officer from 1 June 2026.
She succeeds Frank Yourn, who has served in the role for more than 20 years and has played a central role in the growth and development of the councils across the Pacific region.
The appointment comes at a time of expanding commercial engagement between Australia and the Pacific, with growing opportunities across infrastructure, trade, investment, agriculture and regional connectivity.
Alaimoana-Roberts brings extensive experience in trade, investment and economic development, with a strong background in building partnerships between governments, businesses and regional stakeholders across Pacific markets. She has held senior leadership roles focused on investment promotion, regional engagement and practical commercial outcomes.
In the role, she will lead the shared secretariat supporting the three councils, overseeing member engagement, strategic partnerships and delivery of key initiatives including major business forums, trade missions and sector-focused programs.
Alaimoana-Roberts said she was looking forward to working closely with businesses and stakeholders across the region.
“I’m really excited by the opportunity, by what’s happening in the Pacific right now and also, importantly, working closely together with you all. We really want to work closely with the private sector, as well as see how best we can continue the legacy and the amazing foundation that’s been built over the years.”
The councils also paid tribute to Yourn for his longstanding contribution to strengthening commercial and institutional links between Australia and Pacific Island countries.
He will remain in a transition role for six months to support continuity and handover arrangements.
Council representatives said the appointment reflected both continuity and renewal as the organisations respond to increasing demand for deeper Australia-Pacific business engagement.
