The ANZ Samoa Country Head Bernie Poort is leaving with the bank's headquarters announcing his exit and the appointment of an Acting Country Head for Samoa.

In a news release issued on Tuesday, the ANZ announced that Ravendran Achari will take on the role of Acting Country Head for ANZ Samoa, as Mr. Poort moves on to the next chapter in his career.

Mr. Poort has held several senior roles at the ANZ in the Pacific, including Head of Commercial Banking, ANZ Samoa; Country Head, ANZ Tonga; and most recently Country Head for ANZ Samoa with regional oversight of ANZ Cook Islands and ANZ Tonga.

During this time, Mr. Poort built strong relationships with regulators which helped ensure ANZ customers could navigate their way through COVID-19 successfully.

Reflecting on his time as Country Head, ANZ Samoa, Mr. Poort said it was a privilege to be working in Samoa during critical times of its history.

“It has been a privilege to work with customers, the community, and government stakeholders to drive better outcomes for the entire country," he said. “From the Samoa measles crisis to the pandemic, I am humbled to have played a part in Samoa’s economic recovery."

ANZ Regional Executive for the Pacific, Sarah Stubbings, thanked Mr. Poort for his contribution to the bank's business in the region. 

“We want to thank Bernie for his significant contribution to our business and to the region," said Ms. Stubbings.

“The Pacific remains a key part of ANZ’s international network and Samoa is one of our core Pacific markets. We’re committed to our customers, our communities, and our people here."

Mr. Achari has been ANZ’s Chief Financial Officer for the Pacific since 2013 and Head of Strategy since 2022. He is a Fellow of CPA Australia, a graduate of the Australian Institute of Directors, and a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors (NZ).

Besides his substantive position as the ANZ Samoa Country Head (with regional oversight of ANZ Cook Islands and ANZ Tonga) prior to the announcement by the bank's headquarters, Mr. Poort was also at one time the Chairman of the Bankers Association and was actively involved in community events. These included leading fundraising drives for the Samoa Cancer Society which ANZ Samoa supported under his leadership.