By Gedion Timothy 
The Nasfund Board today announced the appointment of Mr. Rajeev Sharma as its Chief Executive Officer replacing Ian Tarutia who is retiring on the 31st March, 2023.
The Board and its Remuneration & Nominations Committee conducted an exhaustive
and high calibre recruitment process that attracted nearly 100 candidates from both
international and domestic markets before selecting Mr. Sharma.
“The Nasfund Board at its meeting on 8th December 2022 resolved to promote the
current Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Rajeev Sharma, to the CEO role from 1st April
2023,” Chairwoman of Nasfund, Tamzin Wardley announced.
Mr. Sharma is a permanent resident of PNG and has been working in the country for
over 20 years, with eight of these being as the Chief Financial Officer at Nasfund.
He has understudied with our current CEO during the last few years and his promotion
ensures the stability of our transition and continuity of our operations with minimum
disruptions.
He is extremely well qualified for the role and has a passion for the industry which we
look forward to sharing with our members and stakeholders.”
Mr. Sharma has over 30 years of experience in the financial sector having worked in
India, Middle East and PNG.
He is a Chartered Accountant, a CPA in both PNG and
Australia and holds a Bachelors degree in Commerce (Honours) from the Delhi
University in India. He is also a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company
Directors and is a professional member of the PNG Institute of Directors.
Outgoing CEO Ian Tarutia said “Mr. Sharma is known to all staff and key stakeholders
and has worked closely with me. Seven years as my Chief Financial Officer and
recently since February 2022 as Chief Operating Officer.
I am confident Rajeev will lead the Fund and all our staff well with the support and
guidance of the Nasfund Board over the next phase of the Funds growth”.
The Board will continue its succession planning program for the CEO and senior
management positions to ensure the Fund has a strong pipeline of competent
professionals to assume leadership roles of key functions into the future.