THE University of the South Pacific (USP) has appointed Patricia Naisara as its new Executive Director, People and Workforce Strategy.

Naisara joins USP from Westpac Fiji, where she heads the bank’s human resources function, overseeing people and culture strategy, workforce planning, talent development, employee relations and organisational change.

A commercial lawyer by profession, she brings experience in employment relations, corporate compliance, banking and finance, and people management and organisational development.

She holds Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws degrees from USP, with studies in Political Science, Management and Public Administration, as well as a Professional Diploma in Legal Practice.

She was admitted to the High Court of Fiji in 2013.

Naisara also chairs the Fiji Women’s Fund Governance Board, serves as Vice Chair of the Women’s Entrepreneurial Business Council and is President of the Fiji Women Lawyers Association for 2026.

Commenting on her appointment, Naisara said she was excited about the opportunity to challenge herself, continue growing and contribute to an institution that means much to the Pacific.

She will take up the role on 25 January 2027.