Suva, Fiji – 25 June 2025 – Tropica Group of Companies is pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs. Makereta Tuitoga Qalo as its new Head of People & Culture, effective 23 June 2025.
In her new role, Makereta will lead the Group’s global human resources function, with responsibilities spanning talent acquisition, employee development, compensation and benefits, and overall HR operations. She will play a critical role in aligning people strategies with the company’s ambitious growth plans.
“Makereta brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in delivering strategic HR initiatives that elevate organisational performance,” said Leigh Howard, Chief Operating Officer of Tropica Group of Companies. “Her leadership will be key as we continue to scale and invest in our people-first culture to build a high-performing, values-driven team.”
Makereta joins Tropica from Tourism Fiji, where she served as Human Resources Manager. With more than 25 years of experience in human resources, her expertise spans talent management, employee engagement, workplace compliance, payroll and leave administration, executive payroll outsourcing, performance management, and international contract management. She is an active member of both the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the Australian Human Resources Institute (AHRI), further reinforcing her commitment to global best practices in HR leadership.
Her appointment comes at a pivotal time for the Tropica Group of Companies, which is expanding across the hospitality, travel, and tech sectors. The Group aims to become Fiji’s leading experiences company within three years, combining innovative automation, global partnerships, and a deep commitment to creating enriching, memorable experiences under its aspirational lifestyle brand.
“Makereta’s vision and depth of expertise in People and Culture will be instrumental as we foster a more diverse, inclusive, and engaged workplace while strengthening our leadership pipeline,” added Howard.
Speaking on her appointment, Makereta said: “I am truly honoured to join an organisation whose mission and values resonate deeply with my own. I look forward to engaging with teams across the business to build on the Group’s strong foundation and cultivate a workplace culture that champions excellence, innovation, and people-first leadership.”
