People moves: executive moves and changes relevant to Papua New Guinea

Wasantha Kumarasiri has left his post as Chief Executive Officer of national flag carrier Air Niugini to take up the position of Managing Director of the Independent Public Business Corporation. He replaces Thomas Abe in the position.

New Australian High Commissioner

Deborah Stokes has been named as Australia’s next High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea. She is expected to take up her appointment in March 2013, replacing Ian Kemish.

Stokes was most recently head of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s International Organisations and Legal Division. She has previously served as Australia’s Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna, and as Deputy Head of Mission at the Australian Embassy in Tokyo.