Ms Atenasi Ata has officially assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) as of 3rd December 2018.
Ms Ata was congratulated by Members of the SICCI Board and Secretariat following a Board meeting on Monday 3rd December 2018.
Ms Ata replaces outgoing CEO Dennis Meone who will be leaving later this month after serving the private sector since May 2016.
After a lengthy and competitive interview process, Ms Ata joined SICCI as Incoming CEO in September and went through an induction and training program, understudying Mr Meone.
In that period, she took that opportunity to meet with key SICCI stakeholders in Government including Prime Minister Hon Rick Houenipwela, various Ministers including senior Government officials. Ms Ata also met with donor partners and corporate sponsors of the Chamber.
“It’s always encouraging to see women take up leadership roles and I believe Ms Ata will add great value to the future of the Chamber,” SICCI Board Chairman, Jay Bartlett, said.
In her role as CEO, Ms Ata will be responsible for developing the SICCI Secretariat’s annual business plans and to maintain strong networks to promote public-private partnerships between the Solomon Islands Government and the private sector.
In her role, she will work with the SICCI Board to ensure the Chamber delivers policies and convey positions that support SICCI members and ultimately jobs growth and economic development.
While acknowledging the role as a new challenge, Ms Ata sees it as an opportunity to help develop the private sector in Solomon Islands with the underlying message of partnership.
“I look forward continuing the good work the SICCI Secretariat has been doing under the leadership of the outgoing CEO.
“In particular in facilitating close relationships and robust dialogue within private sector or business community and to Government in the spirit of partnerships.
“This is an opportunity to realize some of the development goals of our country,” she said.
Outgoing CEO Dennis Meone congratulates Ms Ata in assuming the Chamber’s top leadership position.
He added, “The Chamber is fortunate to have a dedicated and supportive Board, members and employees who will serve alongside Ms Ata to help ensure that the interests and issues of the private sector remains central and that members are continuously receiving the support they need.”
He continued, “Ms Ata brings a high degree of knowledge, experience and enthusiasm that will take the Chamber to new heights, and I wish her the very best in her endeavours with the Chamber.”
SICCI will host one of its Business After 5 networking event on December 14 where the business community and SICCI members will have the opportunity to welcome Ms Ata and farewell the outgoing CEO Mr Meone.
– SICCI MEDIA
