Board of Directors
Handy Finance Group is led by a strong management and Board of Directors team. Most of the board directors are member of the Institute of Directors of Papua New Guinea. The team's unique experience and insight allows the company to discover new opportunities and grow to new heights.
Sundaram Srinivasa
CHAIRMAN
Mr Srinivasa is an experienced entrepreneur and former Managing Partner of HLB, bringing extensive expertise in accounting, finance and strategic management. With a strong record of leadership across corporate and advisory roles, he contributes deep commercial insight and governance strength to the Board.
He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and a Fellow of CPA PNG, as well as an Associate of CPA Australia. He is also a Senior Associate of the Australian & New Zealand Institute of Company Directors (MAICD) and a Professional Member of the PNG Institute of Directors.
John Kapi Natto
DIRECTOR
Mr. John Kapi Natto was appointed the Chairman of PRK in January 1996. Mr. Natto represents the Fasu landowners of Kutubu petroleum project and is the Chairman of NamoÁporo Land Owners Association.
He is the Managing Director of Kutubu Security Services Ltd, which provides security services to Oil Search operations in Kutubu. Mr Natto is a teacher by profession and holds a Degree in Education from Hobe Sound Bible College, Florida, USA and a BA Hons degree in Education from the University of Papua New Guinea.
Former non-executive director on the Board of Bank South Pacific Limited.
Stanley Hancock
DIRECTOR
Stanley (Stan) is no stranger to technology related projects and is currently leading a new FINTECH start up in Australia called Touch 2 Pay.
Stan chairs the Lightspeed PNG Board and is a shareholder of Lightspeed PNG and MMG.
Stan is a qualified economist and has been in the leadership team of multiple major property development projects in the Pacific Islands including Star Mountain Plaza (Hilton) in Port Moresby and Laucala Islands in Fiji for PBS Construction.
Joyce Mano
DIRECTOR
Joyce is a practising lawyer and entrepreneur with strong experience across legal practice, business management and governance in the Pacific region. She holds an MBA from USP, a Postgraduate Qualification in Law from UPNG, and a Bachelor of Social Science (HR) from UPNG.
She is an active member of the PNG Institute of Directors, the Fiji–PNG Business Council, the Fiji and PNG Law Societies, and the HR Institutes of both Fiji and PNG. Her multidisciplinary background and regional experience support her commitment to strong governance and effective leadership.
Moses Palipe
DIRECTOR
Moses Palipe is the current Managing Director of Ipwenz Construction Limited, a role in which he has built a strong reputation for delivering complex civil works projects across Papua New Guinea. With extensive experience in the civil construction industry, he brings deep operational knowledge, strategic oversight, and practical leadership to the Board.
Recognised as a highly skilled negotiator, Moses is known for securing successful project outcomes, building strong stakeholder relationships, and navigating challenging commercial environments. His strong personal brand, combined with his leadership capability, interpersonal skills, and broad professional network, continues to enhance the company’s credibility and influence within the sector.
Ismael Nelson
DIRECTOR
Ismael has over 15 years experience in Business Administration, Operations and Banking and Finance. He has worked with BSP bank as a Graduate Management Trainee. He worked with BSP Bank for 4 years.
He is former General manager of Handy Finance Limited and later joined CIVPAC to lead special business investment projects. He is now acting General Manager CIVPAC.
Ismael graduated with a Bachelor Degree in Business Management from the University of Papua New Guinea. He was also accredited by the University of South Pacific in FIji Islands for International Business & Marketing Studies.
Jesse Mano
DIRECTOR
Working in the capacity of Group Managing Director since 2009. Affiliated to PNGID, AICD, CPA PNG, PNG & Fiji Business Council.
Extensive experience in Corporate Structure and Financing. Served in various boards in Fiji, Australia and PNG. Possesses Masters in Professional Accounting – Victoria University-Australia and Bachelor of Commerce – University of Papua New Guinea.
Current Board Director of Handy Group subsidiaries and investee companies. Also Board Director of Water PNG Limited and Geogas Limited (formerly Origin gas). And current Chairman for the Board of Olympus Projects Limited in PNG and Australia.
Executive Management Team
Shiv Kumar
Chief Executive Officer & Company Secretary
Shiv Kumar is the Group CEO and Company Secretary responsible for Handy Finance Fiji and PNG business. Mr. Kumar joined Handy Finance Fiji in 2014 and managed the overall operations in Fiji until July 2021 when following a restructure, he was appointed the CEO for Handy Finance Fiji and PNG.
Mr. Kumar possesses some 30 years of experience in various industries and different levels of operations in Fiji and New Zealand. He has more than 10 years exposure in management roles, specializing in finance and retail industries, business and strategic planning, staff training and development, credit control and debtor’s management, and accounting. Further, Mr. Kumar possesses skills and exposure in Retail Finance Management, SME Savings and Lending Administration, Commercial Lending Administration, Banking experience, Risk Management, and Crisis Management.
Mr. Kumar holds Executive Master of Business Administration from Fiji National University. He also was a member of The Inclusive Products & Services Working Group under Fiji’s National Financial Inclusion Taskforce, a project of Reserve Bank of Fiji and the Fiji Bureau of Statistics from 2016 to 2019.
Stanislaus Haro
Chief Financial Officer
An accomplished finance executive with over 15 years of experience across the financial services and wealth management sectors. As Chief Financial Officer for Handy Finance Group (PNG & Fiji), Stanislaus is recognized for his strategic foresight and ability to drive financial success through innovation, governance, and operational excellence. He brings deep expertise in financial reporting, compliance, and risk management, complemented by advanced knowledge in technology systems and digital transformation initiatives. A member of CPA Papua New Guinea, he upholds the highest standards of financial integrity and ethical leadership, contributing significantly to long-term organizational value and sustainability.
Core Expertise
• Financial strategy, reporting, and performance management
• Regulatory compliance and governance
• Technology-driven financial operations and analytics
• Project management and business intelligence
Education & Memberships
• Member – CPA Papua New Guinea
Nilesh Maharaj
Chief Operating Officer
A highly motivated and results-driven executive with over 15 years of leadership experience across accounting, finance, and organizational management. Recognized for consistently driving operational excellence, strategic financial planning, and cross-functional team leadership. With a career spanning microfinance institutions, education, and government regulatory bodies, Nilesh has successfully overseen and integrated corporate functions including financial management, information technology, human resources, compliance, and policy development. He is known for his strategic mindset, passion for education, and commitment to aligning financial stewardship with community development and institutional sustainability.
Core Expertise
• Strategic financial planning and governance
• Organizational leadership and operational management
• Cross-functional team coordination and performance optimization
• Corporate policy development and compliance oversight
Education & Memberships
• Member – Institute of Public Accountants (Aust)
• Member – Institute of Financial Accountants – (Aust / UK)
• Member Fiji Human Resources Institute (Fiji)
Bisiape Paul
Chief Risk Officer
A seasoned finance and risk management professional with nearly a decade of progressive experience in the financial services sector. Since joining Handy Finance Limited in 2016, Bisiape has played a pivotal role in developing and strengthening the company’s risk management framework, ensuring regulatory compliance, operational integrity, and strategic flexibility. He has served in various leadership roles, including Recovery Officer, Operations Manager, and Executive Manager Operations, demonstrating deep understanding of operational systems and governance. Bisiape’s commitment to ethical leadership and community-focused financial empowerment continues to add value to the financial sector and beyond.
Core Expertise
• Risk management and compliance governance
• Operational leadership and business process improvement
• Regulatory reporting and internal control enhancement
• Team leadership and capacity development
Education & Memberships
• Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Management (University of Papua New Guinea)
• Certificate II in Civil Engineering and Construction (North Queensland Institute of TAFE, Australia)
• Registered Accounting Technician (RAT) – CPA Papua New Guinea
• Certificate in Financial Literacy Training – Bank of Papua New Guinea
Saipo Henry Sikipris
Chief Lending Officer
A senior banking and finance professional with extensive experience in leading financial service operations throughout Papua New Guinea. Saipo is a strategic thinker with a proven record in systems design, stakeholder management, and performance-driven leadership. He is highly regarded for his ability to build strong teams, manage risk effectively, and deliver results in both urban and remote operational environments. Known for his determination and dedication, Saipo exemplifies positive, action-oriented leadership that thrives in dynamic and challenging contexts.
Core Expertise
• Strategic planning and systems design
• Stakeholder engagement and risk management
• Leadership and team development across diverse regions
• Operational management and performance optimization
Elaine Tanya Berapu
Executive Personal Assistant
Elaine Tanya Berapu is an experienced Human Resources and Executive Support professional with over a decade of progressive roles across reputable organizations in Papua New Guinea. She currently serves as the Executive Personal Assistant to the CEO and Executive Director, where she manages high-level administrative functions with confidentiality, precision, and strong organisational discipline. Her background combines executive office management, HR operations, and payroll administration.
Elaine has built solid expertise in end-to-end recruitment, onboarding, exit processes, and employee relations through her work with companies / business organizations. Elaine is known for her professionalism, reliability, and ability to excel in fast-paced environments. Her combination of HR expertise and executive support abilities makes her a valuable asset to any leadership team.