The Executive Leadership Team is responsible for guiding the strategic direction, financial performance, operational excellence, risk management, and long-term sustainability of the Bank. Together, they bring deep expertise across finance, banking, technology, governance, regulation, and organisational leadership. Through responsible stewardship and a commitment to serving the people of the Cook Islands, the team works to strengthen economic resilience, support community prosperity, and deliver lasting value for customers, shareholders, and future generations.
Experience: 20+ Years in Banking, Finance & Executive Leadership
Key Expertise: Strategic Leadership | Governance | Sustainable Finance | International Banking | Organisational Transformation | Climate Finance
Jennifer Henry was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Bank of the Cook Islands in 2023 and brings more than 20 years of experience across banking, finance, governance, advisory services, and strategic leadership. Throughout her career, she has held senior roles spanning lending, operations, international banking, project management, sustainable and climate finance.
As CEO, Jennifer is responsible for the strategic direction and performance of the Bank, ensuring it continues to deliver sustainable growth while supporting the economic and social development of the Cook Islands. She is committed to strengthening the Bank's position as a trusted financial institution focused on customer success, community wellbeing, and long-term resilience.
Jennifer is a recognised advocate for sustainable finance and continuous learning, holding qualifications in finance and sustainable finance including a Bachelors of Commerce, Financial Accounting major (Auckland University, NZ), Diploma of Financial Services, Financial Markets Core & Foreign Exchange (AFMA), Certified Expert (CE) in Sustainable Finance, and CE in Renewable Energy and Climate Finance (Frankfurt School of Finance, Germany). She also serves as Chairperson of the Association of Development Finance Institutes of the Pacific (ADFIP).
Proudly of Manihiki and Rakahanga descent, with family ties to Aitutaki, Jennifer remains actively involved in community, education, and sporting initiatives across the Cook Islands.
Experience: 25+ Years in Credit, Lending & Business Finance
Key Expertise: Credit Risk | Commercial Banking | Portfolio Management | Corporate Finance | Climate Finance | Governance
Teruautu Ringi is Chief Credit Officer and is responsible for overseeing the Bank's lending strategy, credit governance, portfolio quality, credit risk management, and Climate Finance. He leads Credit Control in ensuring the Bank of the Cook Islands delivers responsible, fair, and sustainable lending solutions that support individuals, families, businesses, and communities across Rarotonga and the Pa Enua.
With more than 25 years of banking experience, Teru has built extensive expertise across credit, commercial lending, business finance, asset management, and relationship management. He began his banking career with the Cook Islands Development Bank in 1997 and continued with the newly established Bank of the Cook Islands in 2001.
Under his leadership, Credit Control oversees lending across personal, business, commercial, and climate finance portfolios, maintaining strong credit standards and effective risk management to ensure lending decisions are consistent, transparent, and aligned with the Bank's commitment to responsible banking. This enables customers to borrow with confidence while supporting sustainable economic growth, home ownership, business development, community wellbeing, and climate resilience.
Teru's professional experience also includes time with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management, where he contributed to initiatives supporting education, health, and small-to-medium enterprise development. This blend of public and private sector experience provides valuable insight into both commercial success and national economic priorities.
With strong family connections to Mauke, Atiu, and Rarotonga, Teru is committed to honouring that legacy through leadership, community involvement, and positive change. He is respected for his sound commercial judgement, commitment to responsible lending, and dedication to the long-term prosperity of the Cook Islands.
Experience: 20+ Years in Finance, Operations & Strategic Leadership
Key Expertise: Operational Excellence | Governance | Organisational Performance | Transformation | Strategic Planning
Ana Inamata is the Chief Operating Officer of Bank of the Cook Islands, leading the Bank's operational strategy, organisational performance, and delivery of key business and transformation initiatives.
A Chartered Accountant with more than two decades of experience across finance, business advisory, governance and operations, Ana has held senior executive roles and supported organisations through periods of growth and change. She brings a strong track record in strengthening organisational capability, improving performance, and translating strategy into practical outcomes.
As COO, Ana is focused on aligning the Bank's people, processes, and systems to deliver efficient, responsive and customer-focused services. She is passionate about fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement while ensuring operational excellence remains at the centre of the Bank's success.
A proud Cook Islander with family roots in Aitutaki and Mauke, Ana has a deep appreciation for the culture, values and people of the Cook Islands. She is committed to using her experience and leadership to help strengthen the Bank and through its work, make a meaningful and lasting contribution to the lives of the people and communities it serves.
Experience: 20+ Years in Finance, Accounting & Corporate Leadership
Key Expertise: Financial Stewardship | Corporate Planning | Governance | Performance Management | Stakeholder Engagement
Ina Parker-Boxer is the Chief Financial Officer of Bank of the Cook Islands and a Chartered Accountant with more than 20 years of experience across accounting, finance, management, and business operations. Her professional background includes senior finance roles within large New Zealand organisations as well as business ownership and leadership experience.
As CFO, Ina is responsible for the Bank's financial strategy, governance, reporting, budgeting, and long-term financial performance. She works closely with the Board and Executive Leadership Team to ensure sound financial stewardship and sustainable growth.
Prior to joining the Bank, Ina co-owned and managed Edge Life Skills Ltd, delivering youth development programmes and community services alongside operating a health and fitness facility.
A proud Cook Islander with family ties to Aitutaki and Atiu, she is deeply committed to community development, cultural preservation, and creating opportunities for future generations.
Experience: 20+ Years in Technology, Digital Transformation & Innovation
Key Expertise: Digital Strategy | Cybersecurity | Enterprise Architecture | Innovation | Technology Governance
Robert Matheson is the Chief Technology Officer of Bank of the Cook Islands, where he leads the Bank's technology strategy, digital transformation programme, cybersecurity framework, and innovation agenda. Since joining the Bank in 2020, he has played a pivotal role in modernising technology platforms and strengthening digital banking capabilities.
With more than 20 years of experience in technology leadership, Robert has led transformation initiatives across both the education and telecommunications sectors. His expertise spans enterprise technology, infrastructure management, digital strategy, cybersecurity, and organisational change.
Robert holds a Master of Digital Business from the University of Waikato, together with undergraduate qualifications in Science and Education. He is passionate about using technology to improve customer experiences, increase organisational efficiency, and ensure the Bank remains a secure, innovative, and future-ready institution.
Drawing strength from his family roots in Manihiki, Rakahanga and Aitutaki, Robert brings a deep appreciation for Cook Islands values and is dedicated to advancing initiatives that benefit communities, businesses, and future generations.
Experience: 20+ Years in Risk, Governance & Regulatory Leadership
Key Expertise: Enterprise Risk Management | Governance | Regulatory Affairs | AML/CFT | Strategy
Gemma Taylor serves as Chief Risk Officer, leading the Bank's enterprise risk, compliance, governance, regulatory affairs, and anti-money laundering functions.
With more than 20 years of experience spanning banking, insurance, government, regulatory agencies, and international development, Gemma brings extensive expertise in enterprise risk management, governance, and regulatory oversight. She has led major risk transformation programmes and advised organisations on policy development, compliance frameworks, and strategic risk management.
Gemma is a strong advocate for effective risk management as a strategic enabler of growth, innovation, and organisational resilience. Her leadership supports a culture of accountability, transparency, and informed decision-making that protects the interests of customers, stakeholders, and the wider community.
Born and raised in Western Australia, Gemma moved to Rarotonga in August 2026 and is proud to contribute her expertise to the continued success of The Bank of the Cook Islands.
She also contributes beyond the financial sector through leadership and governance roles supporting community and educational initiatives.
Experience: 20+ Years in Banking, Risk & Governance Leadership
Key Expertise: Internal Audit | Governance | Compliance | Risk Management | Regulatory Assurance
Tapita Patai is an experienced banking professional with extensive expertise in lending, compliance, governance, risk management, and internal audit. Since joining Bank of the Cook Islands in 2005, she has progressed through several leadership positions, beginning her leadership journey as Personal Loans Team Leader before moving into compliance and audit leadership roles.
As Manager Internal Audit, Tapita provides independent assurance across the Bank's governance, risk management, and internal control environment. Her leadership supports accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement across all areas of the organisation.
Recognised for her professionalism and strong governance focus, Tapita plays an important role in ensuring the Bank maintains high standards of integrity, compliance, and operational effectiveness.
A proud descendant of Mauke, Mitiaro and Aitutaki, Tapita is guided by the values of family, respect, and service, and is passionate about contributing to the continued success and wellbeing of the Cook Islands.
