As Kina Bank marks its 40th anniversary, few names resonate more strongly with its recent era of transformation than Greg Pawson. The former Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director stepped into the role during a critical period for the financial institution, ushering in a strategy focused on bold expansion, digital leadership, and enduring growth.
Greg Pawson is a seasoned banking executive with extensive experience across Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific region. Before becoming CEO and Managing Director of Kina Bank in 2018, he held senior leadership roles including Regional Head of South Asia Pacific for Westpac Group, managing retail banking, corporate financial services, financial planning, and funds management.
Strategic Leadership and Turnaround
When Pawson took the helm in 2018, Kina Bank was a mid-sized player in Papua New Guinea’s banking sector, with just 160 employees and a modest 3% market share. Guided by Pawson’s vision and a clear ambition to reposition the institution, the bank embarked on a wide-reaching transformation agenda. Pawson spearheaded targeted acquisitions, most notably the successful integration of ANZ’s retail, SME, and commercial banking assets in PNG—a move that instantly elevated Kina’s profile and reach within the market.
“Our goal wasn’t simply to be bigger, but to create a bank that was truly reflective of Papua New Guinea’s potential,” Pawson said during one of his numerous media interviews. “Transformation required not just new products, but a new mindset—one focused on resilience, risk management, and client experience.”
Growth Milestones: People, Market Share, and Innovation
Kina’s transformation under Pawson was multifaceted:
-
Employee Growth: He led a rapid expansion of the bank’s workforce, growing headcount from 160 to more than 750, including the launch of talent development and leadership programs suited for PNG’s unique market.
-
Market Share Expansion: Under his stewardship, market share surged from 3% to an impressive 17%, cementing Kina Bank as PNG’s second-largest bank and the country’s leading independent wealth manager.
-
Technological Pivots: Pawson was a strong advocate for digitalisation and cyber resilience, overseeing new core systems, mobile and internet banking innovations, and partnerships designed to modernise the bank’s customer experience and reach.
“The greatest challenge was managing risk while simultaneously driving sustainable growth,” Pawson reflected recently. “It required constant attention across multiple fronts: financial, reputational, and cyber.”
Leadership Philosophy and Impact
Central to Pawson’s approach was a commitment to inclusivity, staff empowerment, and customer-centricity. He championed training the next generation of PNG banking leaders and regularly spotlighted diversity and innovation within the workforce. His leadership style was frequently described as purposeful and values-driven, blending robust governance with a willingness to confront legacy challenges in infrastructure and public perception.
He was also outspoken about the broader economic and social role banks could play in PNG, stating, “Banking is not just about balance sheets; it’s about supporting communities, funding businesses, and enabling futures.”
Legacy and Vision
As Kina Bank now celebrates 40 years of service to Papua New Guinea, Greg Pawson—though no longer CEO—remains a strong supporter of its strategic direction. He leaves behind a legacy deeply entwined with Kina’s identity as a resilient, modern, and purpose-driven financial institution.
“Our vision to become the most dynamic and progressive financial services organisation in the Pacific region is not just aspirational, it’s achievable,” Pawson said, signaling his enduring confidence in the bank’s journey.
Kina Bank’s 40th-anniversary milestone thus stands not only as a testament to four decades of service, but as a lasting reflection of Greg Pawson’s transformative leadership—one defined by ambition, adaptability, and an unwavering belief in the future of Papua New Guinea’s financial sector.
