BSP senior official joins Kina as chief officer

JOHNSON Kalo has left Bank South Pacific and has been appointed as chief operating officer of Kina Bank, as the bank prepares to be the second largest retail bank in Papua New Guinea.
“I’m thrilled to join Kina Bank at this pivotal time,” Kalo said.
Kalo has substantial industry practice and experience with an outstanding career, recently as deputy chief executive officer and chief financial officer of BSP.
He will work closely with Kina Bank’s chief executive Greg Pawson as the bank is ready to complete its acquisition of ANZ PNG’s retail, commercial and SME business.
“Johnson’s appointment is of great significance for Kina Bank and comes at an important time in our history,” Pawson said.
“We are ready to complete the acquisition of ANZ PNG’s retail commercial and SME business and Johnson’s strong focus on strategy and business analysis will help lead Kina Bank in its nationwide expansion.
“I’m delighted he is joining us.”
During his tenure at BSP, Kalo played a central role in the acquisition of Westpac’s operations in the Cook Islands, Samoa, the Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu.
He brings exceptional leadership qualities and a wealth of experience to the Kina bank that will benefit the bank as it grows to become the second largest retail bank in PNG.
“As a proudly home-grown Papua New Guinean bank, we have an exciting future ahead serving PNG’s retail, SME and commercial businesses,” Kalo said.
“I look forward to growing the bank’s company and customer portfolio as we continue our significant investment in technology, IT and international operations.”
Kalo’s previous positions include being an independent director on the board of Credit Corporation and an executive director of the Port Moresby Stock Exchange (PNGX).
He currently consults to small-medium sized businesses in the private sector.