PNG TISA Bank Names Luke Kaul as New Chief Executive Officer

PNG's TISA Bank has appointed Luke Kaul as its substantive Chief Executive Officer, marking a new chapter for the locally owned commercial bank as it prepares for its next phase of growth. The appointment is subject to the completion of all regulatory requirements following a recruitment process overseen by the Board's Remuneration and Nominations Committee.

The Board says the appointment provides leadership continuity while reinforcing the bank's long-term strategy of strengthening its operations, governance and services across Papua New Guinea.

Luke Kaul/ Photo supplied

Board Chairman Moses Koiri said Mr Kaul had earned the Board's confidence through his extensive knowledge of the institution, proven leadership and strong understanding of the bank's strategic direction.

He said Mr Kaul had been closely involved in establishing the bank and guiding its operational growth from its early years, making him well placed to lead the organisation into its next stage of development.

According to the Board, Mr Kaul's background spans risk management, lending, retail banking, group operations and executive leadership, with experience expected to support stronger governance, regulatory compliance and operational resilience.

Mr Koiri also described the appointment as an important step in strengthening Papua New Guinea's banking leadership through local expertise.

He said TISA Bank was established in response to the vision of members of its parent organisation, the Teachers Savings and Loan Society, to provide financial and banking services to individuals, businesses, SMEs and rural communities throughout the country.

The Board congratulated Mr Kaul on his appointment and said it looked forward to working with him as TISA Bank continued to build its position within Papua New Guinea's banking industry.

"Mr. Kaul has played an important role in the foundational establishment and operational scaling of TISA Bank. He brings a practical understanding of the Bank's performance, regulatory environment, operational priorities, and growth trajectory. His appointment provides leadership continuity at a critical time and reinforces the Board's commitment to building a strong, trusted, and locally anchored financial institution."

"TISA Bank is a homegrown institution whose establishment arose following an overwhelming mandate from the members of its parent, the Teachers Savings and Loan Society, to establish a financial institution that would offer banking and financial services not only to its members and customers, but also to corporates, SMEs, and the unbanked population living in rural areas of Papua New Guinea. The appointment of a local executive to lead the Bank strengthens our identity, supports national capability development, and demonstrates our confidence in Papua New Guinean leadership within the financial services industry."