Associate Advisor
Dr. Esther Laisani Wininamaori Williams is an accomplished executive leader and respected governance expert with more than four decades of service across academia, public institutions, banking and community organisations. A former Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of the South Pacific, she has shaped major regional initiatives in education, governance, marine development, information technology and institutional reform throughout the Pacific. As Board Director of the Reserve Bank of Fiji on two occasions, she has played a key role in the economic development of Fiji.
She currently serves as Chair of the Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara Education Trust Fund Management Board, Board Director of ANZ Bank (Fiji), a Trustee for many years of the Graduate Women Fiji, Director of Williams Consultancy Services Pte Ltd and Winina Pte Ltd, where she brings her deep experience in strategic planning, financial oversight, provincial governance, and organisational leadership to support boards, governments, and community groups. Her work continues to advance good governance, financial literacy, environment and sustainable development initiatives across Fiji, including long‑standing service to the Province of Lau and the CWM Hospital Board of Visitors.
She is compassionate about her work with the women in her village, serving as President, Levukana Women’s Association, Vanuabalavu, Lau over many years.
She is a keen sports person and represented Fiji in Squash in three Pacific Games winning gold, silver and bronze medals. She also served as President of the Fiji Squash Rackets Association for over four years. Her commitment to sports, got her elected as a Director to the Board of the Fiji Rugby Union, the first elected female to sit on the FRU Board.
A recipient of numerous international awards, Dr. Williams is recognised for her integrity, dedication, and transformative leadership – building strong institutions, empowering women and youths in various communities, and championing excellence across all sectors she serves.
