Our Board
Our Constitution currently provides for a minimum of five to seven directors maximum to sit on the Board of Nambawan Savings and Loan Society Limited (NSLS). All directors have a responsibility to meet appropriate ethical and professional standards, which includes an understanding of the requirements of the Savings and Loans Act 2015. A serving director is eligible for reappointment after the end of his or her term as a director for three (3) term and not exceeding a full tenure of nine (9) years as provided for under our Constitution and in line with the Prudential Standards set by the Bank of Papua New Guinea.
John Cholai
Chairman & Independent Director
John Cholai was appointed as an independent director on July 26, 2018. He has over 30 years in corporate leadership experience for with prestigious organisations such as Origin Energy, Shell, InterOil, and the Civil Aviation Authority. John is an Executive Director and a licensed Franklin Covey Leadership facilitator and Coach. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering with a specialization in Telecommunications from the PNG University of Technology and a Master of Business Administration from Deakin University, Australia. He brings a strategic vision to the Board, fostering growth, innovation and leadership development.
Giau Duruba
Deputy Chairman & Independent Director
Giau Duruba joined the NSLS Board as an independent director on February 28, 2017, and was reappointed on September 30, 2020. With over 30 years of experience in human resource management, Giau is committed to leveraging talent for improved organizational performance. He holds a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Papua New Guinea and has been honored as a Fellow of the Institute of Banking & Business Management (IBBM) for his dedication to developing national workforce capabilities.
Verenagi Arava
Independent Director
Verenagi joined the Board as a Non – Executive Director on December 22, 2020. He currently serves as NSL’s Chief Financial Officer. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) from the University of Technology and a Master of Business Administration from the Central Queensland University. Before joining Nambawan Super Limited, Verenagi held the Chief Financial Officer position with the PNG Sustainable Development Program and Group General Manager Finance for the Steamships Trading Company Limited. His experience encompasses finance and accounting, taxation, project development, funds management, and investment in all its facets. He is a certified practicing accountant with PNGCPA (Fellow), and a member of the PNG Institute of Directors.
Peter Mell
Independent Director
Peter Mell was appointed as an independent director on August 13, 2020. He is currently the Chief Financial Officer for PNG Power Limited. He was employed as a consultant and executive management roles previously with British American Tobacco (BAT). He has been an active member of Certified Practicing Accountants (CPA) PNG since 1994 and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Commerce (Accounting) from the University of Papua New Guinea. With extensive knowledge in strategic planning, financial reporting, governance, and risk management, Peter’s insights are invaluable to our Board.
Judith Ugava-Taunao
Independent Director
Judith Ugava–Taunao was appointed as an Independent Director to the NSLS Board on March 10, 2026. Judith has over 20 years executive management experience working across organisational transformation, international development, People & Culture and Banking. Having worked at Kina Bank, Oil Search (now Santos), World Bank and the Australian Aid Program. Judith has proven executive experience in Banking and Customer Experience within the financial services industry. She has People and Culture operational experience, expertise in HR planning and strategy, coaching, change management, customer experience alignment and a strong record in organisational leadership, stakeholder management, and culture transformation. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Queensland and is currently doing a Masters in Business Administration. She is also a member of the PNG Institute of Directors.
