At the Institute

So'oalo was President of the Institute for 2023 to 2024 and 2024 to 2025. Before that he was unanimously elected by the Council midway through 2022 to take up the presidency when the President at the time stepped down because of work commitments off-island.

Career

So'oalo is the General Manager (CEO) of the Samoa Ports Authority, a role he has held since 2017 and now in his third term. The Authority is a multimillion-dollar state-owned entity incorporated under the Ports Authority Act 1998, responsible for the provision, management and maintenance of adequate and efficient port services, facilities and security in ports and approaches. He has over twenty years of executive management experience in a deadline-driven and highly scrutinised environment as a senior executive in a state-owned entity.

An experienced team player committed to improving overall business processes and building a cohesive business environment, he is a competent leader with a solid finance and banking background, directing the team to achieve the Authority's operational and financial priorities.

Expertise

A professional accountant with specialised skills across business management, including business law, banking, financial analysis and forecasting, financial and managerial accounting, budgeting, auditing practice, project management, human resource management, maritime and shipping law, maritime insurance, negotiation and strategic planning.