Friday, 18th October 2013: Fiji Airways has announced the appointment of Fijian lawyer Ms. Cecille Sanchez as the airline’s new General Counsel. Sanchez replaces Jay Shree Raniga, who has moved on to pursue further studies in the United States. Sanchez was appointed after an exhaustive search process.
Stefan Pichler, Fiji Airways Managing Director and CEO said: “We’re delighted to appoint Cecille to head up our Legal and Government Affairs as General Counsel. This is a critical senior role within the airline, one which covers the length and breadth of our global operations.”
He added: “I’m especially pleased that we filled the position with an extremely capable Fijian. One of the four pillars of our five-year strategy is to ensure that Fiji Airways provides adequate job and career opportunities for Fijians. We are a Fijian airline, so it makes sense. At this point, I would also like to thank our outgoing General Counsel Jay Shree for her service to the company and wish her well.”
Of Filipino extraction, Cecille Sanchez will join Fiji Airways from Suva-based law firm R. Patel Lawyers, where she has been working as Senior Associate Solicitor. She holds a Bachelor of Laws and Professional Diploma in Legal Practice from the University of the South Pacific. She also holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of the Philippines, and has considerable experience teaching science in Fijian schools.
Her legal experience with R. Patel Lawyers involves commercial, corporate and civil law. As Fiji Airways’ General Counsel, Sanchez will provide legal advice and counsel on all matters related to airline operations and management, including negotiation of critical contracts. She will also be the Company’s Corporate Secretary.
Sanchez officially starts at Fiji Airways on October 28th.
PRESS RELEASE